Hauntfest organizer Mary Burnside, who also owns Clash, thought it would be fun to pick a theme that resides with the community in some way. Attendees can expect many of the performers to take part in the theme. Performers at Fifth Street and Jackson Street include an Astronaut, E.T., Killer Klowns from Outer Space and Men in Black. Other artists plan to perform with LED hoops or other props that glow.
Credit: Natalie Jones
Credit: Natalie Jones
In addition, there will be a local vendor area with Halloween-themed items in the Lucky’s parking lot and a dedicated food truck area in front of Wiley’s Comedy Club. Official Hauntfest merch will also be available with designs by artist Jason Goad.
Burnside has helped plan Hauntfest for the past two years.
“I love Halloween,” she said. “It’s my favorite holiday, my favorite time of year. To me it’s kind of more like a lifestyle.”
Burnside recalled her first Hauntfest when she moved to Dayton from West Virginia. At the time, she was 19 and working at the Nite Owl, where Blind Bob’s is located today. She said her favorite part then and now is seeing people in their costumes.
At Clash, Burnside often helps customer curate their Halloween costumes.
For those dressing up, there will be a costume contest at 10:45 p.m. on the main stage at Fifth Street and Wayne Avenue. Contest categories include Best Overall Costume, Best Couple or Group Costume and Best Sci-Fi Costume. Winners will receive cash prizes. Hauntfest has a strict weapons-free policy. No weapons real or fake will be permitted.
Pre-sale tickets are available online only for $10 until Friday, Oct. 27. Tickets will be $15 at the gate. Gates open at 6 p.m.
For more information about Hauntfest, visit www.theoregondistrict.org/hauntfest or the Oregon District’s Facebook or Instagram pages.
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