At around 2 p.m. Saturday, the streets of Norwich will be fill with the undead, beloved cartoon characters and other creatures as the annual Norwich Family YMCA Halloween parade steps off during this year’s Pumpkin Festival.

Norwich YMCA Executive Director Jamey Mullen said the parade has been a Norwich tradition for more than four decades, but little is known about how it all began.

“Long before we were lucky enough to have Pumpkin Fest, it was the community event of the holiday. A long time ago it was actually a night time parade,” said Mullen.

Parade organizer Julie Wallen recalled participating in the holiday parade when she was a small child and is attending this year’s with her four-year-old grandson, Caden.

“I’m not sure how long the parade has been around, but it’s something that’s been a part of our family all my life,” she said.

The parade takes place at the heart of Pumpkin Fest and participation is open to everyone and is free, said Mullen.

“Every year we hope to get more people involved in the parade and Pumpkin Fest. It’s one of our best events,” said Wallen.