Spring heralds the return of a century-old community tradition, the Hoboken Baby Parade, in which Hoboken’s babies venture out in their finest attire, toddlers flaunt their cutest costumes, and parents create amazing mini-floats balanced atop carriages and wagons.
Baby Parade organizers Museum trustee Jennifer O’Callaghan and education curator Robin Westervelt invite everyone to join us as participants or spectators on Sunday, May 20, at 1 p.m. for the 11th Annual Hoboken Baby Parade and help us to celebrate the spirit and creativity of our families. The Parade begins at Sinatra Park—located at Fifth Street and the Hudson River—and proceeds south along the waterfront to Pier A. The Parade is free and registration begins at noon. (In case of spring showers, a rain date is scheduled for Sunday, May 27.)
Parents are encouraged to dress up their babies, toddlers and older siblings—and, of course, themselves and their strollers. Trophies are awarded for Best Dressed Child, Most Creative Carriage, and Best Dressed Family.
The Parade’s roots extend to the early 20th century. It originated as a way for the public health authorities to identify and extend basic health services to newly arrived families or families with newborns. It’s still a great way for local family-oriented businesses to reach out to new parents; call the Museum at 201-656-2240 for more information, or email education@nullhobokenmuseum.org