Halloween parade marches on after near-death experience

After almost being forced into cancellation this year, the Village Halloween Parade will march on tonight for its 40th year just two weeks after reaching a fundraising goal to go on.

The parade, which was cancelled last year because of Sandy, raised the $50,000 needed to march this year just three days before its deadline, a feat it accomplished after more than backers pledged money in a Kickstarter campaign.

The parade kicks off at 7 p.m. and heads up Sixth Avenue between Spring and 16th streets, and 2 million spectators are expected to come out.

If you go:

When: Starts at 7 p.m., ends around 11 p.m.

Where: Starts at Spring Street and Sixth Avenue, marches straight up Sixth to 16th Street

Best spots to watch: The crowds are biggest between Bleecker and 14th streets, so those areas are best avoided to catch a glimpse of the parade.