Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the parade route?
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A: We will be lining up on Center Street to start at The Old School House. Please show up by 9:00 pm to allow Volunteers and the "Queen of Direction" time to guide you where to lineup and when to go. The route will go to Beery Field. Please DO NOT walk back up the parade route until the parade is over! Many paraders choose to fold into the spectators to watch the parade.
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Q: Is there a parking shuttle?
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A: Yes, the Interurban offers a regular shuttle from the Drug Store (201 Butler St.) in downtown Saugatuck and 200 Blue Star Hwy. (formerly Haworth) to the Lake Vista Super Valu Grocery Store parking lot on Center street.
You can also call them for a pickup 269-857-1418. |
Q: What time do we need to be to Douglas to find parking?
A: We suggest you come early and enjoy exploring the Saugatuck and Douglas area while you're here! We love to see our sponsors packed with business! (It makes it easier to talk them into donating next year!)
A: We suggest you come early and enjoy exploring the Saugatuck and Douglas area while you're here! We love to see our sponsors packed with business! (It makes it easier to talk them into donating next year!)
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Q: Will the parade be canceled for bad weather?
A: 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...the rain usually stops for the parade. It is somewhat uncanny! It rained on the parade in 2019 for the first time in 7 years. We hope it was a fluke! |
The rain stopped for the 1 hour of the parade, then started back up as soon as it was over!
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Q: Is there a signup form to participate?
A: No. All you have to do is get in costume and show up at 9:00 pm on Center street next to The Old School House. Our volunteers will get you lined up, spaced, and will tell you when to go!
A: No. All you have to do is get in costume and show up at 9:00 pm on Center street next to The Old School House. Our volunteers will get you lined up, spaced, and will tell you when to go!
Q: Are motorized vehicles allowed?
A: Not under ANY circumstances! No motorized vehicles are allowed for safety reasons. We have a lot paraders in costumes that lack good peripheral vision. However, some of the best group costumes we have had, were walking floats. You're welcome to roll on wheels, just not motorized.
A: Not under ANY circumstances! No motorized vehicles are allowed for safety reasons. We have a lot paraders in costumes that lack good peripheral vision. However, some of the best group costumes we have had, were walking floats. You're welcome to roll on wheels, just not motorized.
Q: Is it okay to throw candy or pass things out to the crowd?
A: 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 and also, adults don't pick it up, our volunteers and Department of Public Works crew does. They are the first city employees on scene before the parade 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.
A: 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 and also, adults don't pick it up, our volunteers and Department of Public Works crew does. They are the first city employees on scene before the parade 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.
Q: Are kids allowed to attend the parade?
A: Yes, BUT... parents are cautioned that this parade is for adults and may contain very mature costumes for young eyes. We don't mind if they come, but we tell people to be prepared to have a very "adult conversation" with your kids over some of the costumes they may see. Kids should always be accompanied by an adult.
A: Yes, BUT... parents are cautioned that this parade is for adults and may contain very mature costumes for young eyes. We don't mind if they come, but we tell people to be prepared to have a very "adult conversation" with your kids over some of the costumes they may see. Kids should always be accompanied by an adult.
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Q: When did the parade start?
A: 1998. Ginger Wilkinson started the parade for her husband Russell Wilkinson, 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. The first year we had less than 100 people, now it is one of our busiest weekends in town. |
Russ and Ginger Wilkinson
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