The 2013 Allentown Halloween Parade will step-off from the Allentown Fairgrounds 2 p.m. Oct. 20.

The parade will travel on 17th Street to Hamilton Street and conclude at Ninth Street. Rain date for the parade is Oct. 27.

Several groups and organizations are participating in the parade for the first time.

Two notable additions are Kutztown University Marching Band and the Freedom High School Marching Band.

New for the 2013 parade will be some pre-parade festivities.

In front of the Allentown Public Library, Mother Goose will be on site along with library staff to read Halloween stories. The Alternative Art Gallery will be stationed at 10th and Hamilton streets to do live artwork and create a spooky Halloween mural. There will be a pre-parade musical performance by the James Supra Blues Band at 1:15 p.m. also at 10th and Hamilton streets.

The awards ceremony will follow the conclusion of the parade at the Judges' Reviewing Stand at 10th and Hamilton Streets.

Trophies will be presented to winners of each prize category: School Marching Bands, Floats, and Marching Groups.

Special performances by local dance groups will include Youth Education in the Arts' XCAPE Hip Hop Dance Group, the Hispanic American League of Artists and Small Steps Big Dreams Dance and Winter Guard.

The second annual Zombie Walk will kick-off the start of the parade.

For information, visit allentownpa.gov/parks, click on "Halloween Parade," or call 610-437-7750.