Lakeshore adults-only Halloween parade must raise thousands to continue

DOUGLAS — Could the lakeshore be saying goodbye to its most popular adults-only Halloween event?

Organizers of the Douglas Halloween Parade for Adults are asking the community for help, as they try to keep the long-standing tradition going.

According to a fundraiser launched via GoFundMe, nonprofit Hystopolis Productions has seen a sharp increase in funds required to produce the event and keep participants safe.

"This parade is in jeopardy if we can’t find some creative ways to fund the (it),” the post read. “Where there is a will, there is a way, with your help.”

The parade has largely been taxpayer subsidized for the last 25 years, but it's simply grown too large. According to a post from Erin Wilkinson, director of events for Hystopolis, the city of Douglas is passing along an additional $18,057.64 in costs to the nonprofit.

Wilkinson said, while the parade doesn't directly generate revenue, it brings over 10,000 people to the town. Those people shop locally, dine at local restaurants and use other services in the area.

“This event serves as a bridge to get our area businesses through the shoulder season and that’s how we talk them into being a sponsor,” Wilkinson wrote. “There is a limit to how much we can ask and we’re near it, especially with so many other events competing for funds."

The cost covers staffing from the Douglas Police Department, the Michigan State Police, the Saugatuck Township Fire District and the Department of Public Works.

Wilkinson told WOOD TV-8 this year’s event is expected to cost close to $80,000 total, up from $52,000 last year.

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So far, the community has donated close to $2,000 of a $20,000 goal.

“We appreciate your support to make this exceptional local tradition of strutting down Center Street all decked out in our finest costumes a reality again this year," Wilkinson wrote.

Learn more at gofund.me/38f6b343.

— Contact reporter Austin Metz at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Douglas Halloween Parade must raise thousands in 2024