Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a parking shuttle?
A: Yes, the Interurban offers a regular shuttle from the Drug Store in downtown Saugatuck to Alley's Diner on Center street or you can call them for a pickup 269-857-1418.
Q: What time do we need to be to Douglas to find parking?
A: Your guess, but typically the area establishments start to get busy early! We suggest you get to town with plenty of time to spare and enjoy the shopping and bars and restaurants while you wait. We love to see our sponsors packed with business! (It makes it easier to talk them into donating next year!)
A: Your guess, but typically the area establishments start to get busy early! We suggest you get to town with plenty of time to spare and enjoy the shopping and bars and restaurants while you wait. 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! |
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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 9:30 pm on Center street next to Beery Field. Our volunteers will get you lined up and spaced.
A: No. All you have to do is get in costume and show up at 9:30 pm on Center street next to Beery Field. Our volunteers will get you lined up and spaced.
Q: Are motorized vehicles allowed?
A: No. 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: No. 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. The issue with this is... adults don't pick it up, our 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. The issue with this is... adults don't pick it up, our 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 off season. The first year we had less than 100 people, now it is one of our busiest weekends in town with over 5000+ people a year attending. |
Russ and Ginger Wilkinson
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