"Love, Peace and Halloween" Float Brings Joy to Alton Halloween Parade Crowd
Several months of work with friends and family went into Dr. Bruce Vest’s Alton Halloween Parade float. Read about the theme and special effects he hoped would impress the crowd.
ALTON - It was another exciting Alton Halloween Parade for defending champion Dr. Bruce Vest.
Vest’s floats have won the grand prize in the Halloween Parade for multiple years now. On Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, Vest noted that “whatever happens, happens” but he hoped his float — themed “Love, Peace and Halloween” — brought some joy to the crowd.
Get The Latest News!
Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.
“All our skeletons and dragons are promoting that theme of love and peace and goodwill to all the parade participants and everyone down here watching,” he said. “We’re here just to give a good show to the crowd, and whatever happens, happens. We’re so thankful we can participate.”
Vest’s floats are known for their special effects, including a fire-breathing dragon head that has attracted attention over the past few years. Before the parade began on Oct. 31, Vest teased new effects that he hoped would impress the crowd “and hopefully give the judges a kick, too.”
He shared that he has been preparing his float for “several months” alongside his friends and family.
Vest thanked the East End Improvement Association for their work to put on the parade every year, adding that the event is “a great thing for the community.” He hopes to give back to the community through his floats because his family is grateful for Alton’s support over the years.
Vest also hopes his float reminds people of “the true meaning of Halloween.” He pointed to the religious background of the holiday as inspiration for his float.
“I’m just here to pay back to the community,” he said. “From the truly religious perspective, we’re on the eve of All Saints Day, and then the day after that, the eve of All Souls Day. So, hopefully, everybody will truly understand the meaning of Halloween and can participate in our joy of the season.”
More like this:
- Most Popular
- Top Stories
- Most Recent
