FAQs
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...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!
What is the parade route?
We will be lining up on Center Street to start between The Old School House and OxBow 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 4 blocks 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.
What time should you arrive to Douglas to find parking?
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!
Downtown Saugatuck and Douglas will be a-buzz with activitiy leading upto the parade. You can purchase take-out drinks from one of the area bars participating in the social district and go shopping or swing by The Old School House and OxBow House parties on either side of the lineup to support great local organizations.
Shorter answer… to find parking easily you should arrive by 6-7pm. Music starts downtown by 8pm and by 9pm close parking is harder to find.
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 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 team, so please don’t make a mess.
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.
Are kids allowed to attend the parade?
Yes, BUT... parents are cautioned that this parade is for adults and may contain very mature costumes or humor 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.
Is there a signup form to participate?
No. 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. This year we will also have a paid VIP lineup by 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 pay our expenses.
Is there a parking shuttle?
Yes, the Interurban offers a regular shuttle from the Drug Store (201 Butler St.) in downtown Saugatuck to the Saugatuck Douglas District Library near parade lineup. You can also call them for a pickup 269-857-1418.
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.