By Jason Arndt
Editor
Spooky City, a time-honored tradition, will return for its 35th year on Oct. 26 in downtown Burlington.
The event, which typically draws thousands of children trick or treating from 11 a.m. until noon, also brings back several favorites such as the coffin races.
According to Shad Branen, organizer of Spooky City, the event could use more competitors for the fifth annual coffin races, sponsored by Daniels Family Funeral Home and Crematory, and Ketterhagen Memorials.
“The coffin races are a little lighter than what we had in previous years, so we have extended the deadline,” Branen said. “We have coffins available and ready to be paired with teams.”
The coffin races feature four costumed pallbearers who compete for the titles of Dead Winner, Speed Demon, and Creative Spirit.
Creative Spirit is awarded to the best-decorated coffin.
According to organizers, teams need to arrive by 9:30 a.m. for the noon race, which consists of squads barreling down Pine Street for a $1,000 cash prize.
The cost to register a team is $60.
Kristine Branen, co-organizer of the event with her husband, Shad, said it’s highly recommended that teams practice running with the coffin prior to race day to prepare for competition.
The estimated schedule includes a 9:30 a.m. arrival by teams, and an 11:15 a.m. mandatory team meeting, before the noon coffin parade begins along Pine Street.
The races will begin at 12:15 p.m. with awards presented at about 1:30 p.m.
For more information on registering for the coffin races, visit Spooky City on Facebook, or at www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-burlington-coffin-races-tickets-997307933877.
Other features
Spooky City will also offer safe trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses from 11 a.m. until noon, pumpkin decorating, a free family movie, hayrides, a costume parade, and the return of Day in the Dead in the Chestnut Street loop.
“It is exciting to see the kids who used to trick-or-treat now bringing their own kids,” said Shad Branen, who has overseen the event since it began 35 years ago.
According to Experience Burlington, the free family movie will begin shortly after trick-or-treating and feature “Toy Story of Terror” at the Plaza Theater, 448 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington.
The costume parade begins at 10:30 a.m. along Pine Street.
Additionally, several businesses have decided to offer their own events as part of Spooky City, according to Shad Branen.
“The other events have expanded quite dramatically over the years,” he said.
Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead, also known as Dia de Los Muertos, will return for the second consecutive year in the Chestnut Street loop.
The event will be held most of the day and include dance performances, a Mariachi band, an art competition, a community ofrenda, food and artisan vendors, and music played throughout the evening.
For more information on all festivities, including an updated schedule, visit the Spooky City Facebook page.
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