Creatures of all shapes and sizes invade CL Towne Center

BY

Stay Puft the Marshmallow Man was one of the participants in the Parade of Frights last Saturday in the Towne Center. Photo by Donna Kupke.

Every year, on a Saturday before Halloween, hundreds of excited trick-or-treaters invade the Towne Center for a morning of Halloween fun. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, Canyon Lake’s annual Parade of Frights has been a favorite event for the children of the community for many years.

Starting at 9 a.m., kids picked up their “treasure maps” (of participating businesses), then ran from door to door trick-or-treating and, for those entering the treasure contest, getting their maps stamped.

Canyon Lake businesses really get involved with the event. Many that are normally closed on Saturday, open their doors to share treats with every little ghoul and goblin. Some wear costumes and decorate their stores. Elementary Smiles even had a haunted house (as if a dentist’s office isn’t already scary)!

In front of City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce had game booths, refreshments, a bounce house and giant slide. Mike Shroyer of Good Time Entertainment created an atmosphere with his Halloween-style music – from “Thriller” to “The Purple People Eater.”

In the costume contest, there were three categories in each of four age divisions. The judges had an especially difficult time judging the 0 to 5 year-old division because, according to the judges, “there were so many cute kids and so many wonderful costumes!”

Following the costume contest, the winner of the “Guessing Jar” of candy corn was announced. For the Treasure Map contest, Debbie Gagnon pulled the names of winners from those who submitted their fully stamped Treasure Maps (stamped by participating businesses).

The Parade of Frights is another way Canyon Lake families get together for some fun. Grandparents get to share a trick-or-treating adventure with their grandkids, and parents get to show off their creativity and sewing skills. For businesses in the Towne Center, it’s a great way to say “thank you” and show appreciation to their patrons.

More pictures below:

All these pictures were provided by Donna Kupke