CANMORE – Ghouls will be emerging from their humble abodes, the zombies will be having fun as the party begins and Wolfman, Dracula and his son are getting ready to do the Monster Mash at the 2019 Canmore Halloween Parade this Sunday (Oct. 27).
Giving a jolt to the parade's electrodes, Jessica Rothnie is serving as this year’s event coordinator.
The parade was a popular tradition for years in Canmore, Rothnie said, under the guidance of Annie Seguin.
“She’s built it up every year,” Rothnie said.
Rothnie is bringing the parade back to life after it did not take place in 2018 due to unforeseen circumstances.
She explained that she was inspired to take up the mantel of the parade to ensure kids in the community have the opportunity to show off their costumes and enjoy some spooky fun.
The last Halloween Parade saw more than 900 participants. Rothnie said she expects attendance numbers will be down this time around because the event did not take place last year.
It has been an incredible experience resurrecting the event she said and added she hopes the community joins in on the fun to keep the tradition alive.
“I have kids that are still young,” Rothnie said. “They’ll be able to enjoy it for years.”
Her children's costumes are top secret, she said with a laugh, adding they will be a graveyard smash at the parade.
Rothnie said she hopes to see those in attendance stretch their creative wings because the event features a costume contest that boasts a great selection of prizes.
“We want to see the best superheroes, the best things you can just think up,” Rothnie said. “We’re giving prizes away to the best pet, best couple, best single, best family. Everything.”
The parade is for all ages, she added, explaining that often a highlight of the parade is seeing grandparents with grandchildren who are dressed in their best costumes.
“It’s not just for kids,” she said with a grin.
It is important to keep the parade doing the Transylvania Twist in Canmore because it helps nurture the “small town” feeling of the area, she said, while extending the spirit of the holiday and giving children a fun activity to look forward.
A seasoned veteran of the parade, Rothnie said it is always a fun experience walking in it in downtown Canmore.
“Halloween has always been my favourite holiday,” Rothnie said. “Anything I can do that is Halloween related, I’m going to love.”
The Halloween Parade will be a vampire’s feast this year because it now features spooky games with candy prizes to play.
“My goal is to make it bigger and better every year,” Rothnie said, explaining that she would like to see the event become a Halloween carnival if there is enough interest in the community.
The parade takes place on Sunday (Oct. 27) beginning behind the Civic Centre at Rotary Friendship Park. The parade will head down Sixth Avenue to 10th Street and finish off at the plaza in front of the Civic Centre, where costume judging will take place.
Participants can register for the Canmore Halloween Parade at eventbrite.com registration is $2.
On parade day the registration check-in desk opens at 8 a.m. and participants can begin gathering at 11 a.m. The parade begins at noon.
Registration for the event closes on Oct. 24.
All proceeds raised by the parade are in support of the Hope for Kids Foundation. The Canmore based non-profit is dedicated to helping families whose children are experiencing severe health issues.
"It helps you out when you have sick kids,” Rothnie said. “It’s resources for everything.”
