Marilyn Nance served as Grand Marshal of the 2025 Libertyville Halloween Parade on Saturday, Oct. 25. Nancy and her neighbor Carol Streed began the town's Halloween Parade 50 years ago in 1975. (Andy Hallman/The Union)

Costume contest winners ride in the Libertyville Halloween Parade during "Celebrate Libertyville" on Saturday, Oct. 25. (Andy Hallman/The Union)

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LIBERTYVILLE – Libertyville held its annual Halloween Parade on Saturday, Oct. 25, and this year marked a milestone for the town as it celebrated the 50th year of this storied tradition.

The town’s Halloween Parade was started in 1975 by Marilyn Nance and Carol Streed, so it was fitting that Nance received the honor of presiding over this year’s parade as Grand Marshal. Nance told The Union she was humbled by the recognition, since she prefers being out of the spotlight.

When this tradition began a half century ago, Libertyville did not have any annual celebrations to speak of, Nance said. She and her neighbor Streed both had young children at the time, and wanted to host an activity for them. At the time, Libertyville Elementary School was going strong, educating children in grades kindergarten through sixth, so there were plenty of youngsters eager for Halloween fun. Nance recalls that, at least a time or two, they hosted a haunted house in the basement of the post office.

Later on, Streed moved to Windsor Heights, and Nance decided to turn over the responsibility for the parade to others in town. She’s glad to see it going strong 50 years later, and is happy to see participation from the Fairfield Middle School band as well as antique cars, tractors, and lots of floats. Nance said Libertyville Savings Bank has been a great partner ever since the parade’s first year when it began giving out cash prizes and treats.

At this year’s parade, Libertyville Fire & Rescue led the procession through town as townsfolk crowded along the route to wave to familiar faces and pick up a piece of candy or two.

Dozens of children dressed up in costumes both scary and playful for the costume content in the city park. Most of the activities were held in the fire station, which hosted the firefighter breakfast, vendors’ show, and trunk-or-treat after the parade.

The event, formally known as “Celebrate Libertyville,” is put on by a committee called FACES of Libertyville, which stands for “Friends Arranging Celebrations, Entertainment, and Shindigs.” Its president is Nicole Roulet, with Dale Sue Glass as vice president, and Ashley Eastburn as treasurer. Other committee members are Colleen Rodibaugh, Dianna and Skeeter Haynes, and Donna Shirkey.