60th Bay Ridge Ragamuffin Parade Saturday September 26, 2026

For 60 years, the Bay Ridge Ragamuffin Parade has been a cherished tradition, bringing generations of families together in celebration of community, creativity, and neighborhood pride. What began in October 1966 as a small parish event has grown into one of Southwest Brooklyn's most beloved annual traditions.

Founded by Father James McKenna of Our Lady of Angels Church and Bay Ridge resident Cliff Scanlon, the parade was inspired by a nearly forgotten New York City custom. Children were invited to dress in oversized, hand-me-down clothing and march through the neighborhood, reviving the spirit of an old-time Ragamuffin Day in a fun, family-friendly way.

The Ragamuffin tradition dates back to New York City in the 1870s and is widely recognized as a precursor to modern Halloween. On Thanksgiving, children dressed in ragged, oversized clothing, painted their faces, and wandered the streets asking neighbors and passersby for pennies, treats, or small gifts.

By the 1930s and 1940s, however, the tradition had largely disappeared as civic organizations discouraged the practice and it was gradually overshadowed by the growing popularity of Halloween and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

While the original Ragamuffin tradition faded throughout the city, Bay Ridge gave it new life. In 1966, Father McKenna and Cliff Scanlon transformed the historic custom into a joyful celebration that reflected the neighborhood's strong sense of family, faith, and community.

The parade was an immediate success. By 1972, The New York Times hailed it as the "largest Ragamuffin parade in the United States," with approximately 6,000 children marching and an estimated 35,000 spectators lining the streets.

Today, as the Bay Ridge Ragamuffin Parade celebrates its 60th anniversary, it stands as more than just a parade—it is a living tradition. Parents who once marched as children now return with their own families, creating memories that span generations.

Year after year, the parade reminds us of what makes Bay Ridge so special: neighbors coming together, volunteers giving their time, local organizations supporting one another, and children filling our streets with imagination, laughter, and joy.

As we celebrate six decades of this extraordinary tradition, we honor the vision of its founders, the dedication of countless volunteers, and the thousands of families who have helped make the Bay Ridge Ragamuffin Parade a lasting symbol of community spirit. Here's to the next generation of Ragamuffins and many more years of marching together.