Frequently Asked Questions
Will the parade be canceled for bad weather?
No way! We've paraded in slain, rain and snow... the parade must go on! However, for the health and safety of our Pumpkin King mascot, he may not show if the weather is too windy or wet. We do have a standing joke that the parade founder, Ginger Wilkinson, must control the weather from heaven, because we've dodged some pretty big storms. It is somewhat uncanny! It often threatens or sprinkles before or after, but has only actually rained on the parade once in 2019, since Ginger passed away in 2012. We hope it was a fluke!
Can I Bring a Chair?
Absolutely.
You're welcome to arrive early and set up a chair along the parade route.
We only allow one row of chairs right up tight to the barricades to ensure everyone has space to see the parade. Please be considerate of other spectators and don't block sidewalks, businesses or the view for people behind you.
The production crew or volunteers may move your chair to accommodate the light and sound equipment.
And remember: the parade is at night in late October. Bring a warm layer.
Is there an a wheelchair-accessible area?
Yes, we have an area for wheelchair access next to the former Police Station at 47 W. Center Street. You can pull up along-side the building on Spring Street to drop off and there should be volunteers to help you get through the crowd to the designated area right along the parade route.
What About Kids?
Sure, but only with a Grown-Up
Children are welcome to attend the Douglas Halloween Parade, but parents should know that this is a nighttime parade created with adults in mind.
The parade may include mature costumes, themes or humor that aren't appropriate for every child.
If you bring children, please be prepared for them to see things you might not expect.
Please also consider protective headphones, as there is concert quality audio.
Children should always be accompanied by an adult.
Is it okay to throw candy or pass things out to the crowd?
NO! PLEASE DO NOT! There are two issues with this... first it creates a hazard for people walking in the parade with limited vision or heels (or hooves) and also, adults don't pick it up, our volunteers and Department of Public Works crew does. The DPW city staff are the first people on scene before the parade setting up and the last to leave, so we like to treat them with respect and help keep our streets clean. For that reason we ask that you please DO NOT throw or pass out anything.
This is Rick our Director of the DPW and he’s a super-duper nice guy, so is his entire team, so please help us keep town clean!
Are motorized vehicles allowed?
You’re welcome to roll on wheels, but we do not allow any motorized vehicles for safety reasons. Motorized mobility aids are permitted.
We have a lot paraders in costumes that lack good peripheral vision. But... some of the best group costumes we have had, were walking floats made from PVC pipes and painted cardboard. Motorized mobility aids are permitted.
Is there a signup form to participate?
Nope! All you have to do is get in costume and show up at 9:00 pm on Center street between The Old School House and OxBow House for general lineup. Lineup for VIPs starts at 9:30 pm on Mixer Street in front of OxBow House and that section will go before general lineup.
Is there a fee to participate?
No, this event is free and open to the public, but we do have a lot of expenses to cover and would love a modest donation to help keep the event going. You can donate any amount here.
This is not a revenue generating event, so we rely on small area businesses and individual donations to cover our expenses.
When did the parade start?
Ginger Wilkinson started the parade for her husband Russell Wilkinson in 1998, who always wanted a nighttime torch parade. When she started it, Halloween weekend was one of the slowest in town. She wanted to bring people to town in the shoulder season to help lift up local businesses. The first year we had less than 100 people, now it is one of our busiest weekends in town with 15-20,000 people attending annually.