News Release
October 5, 2009
Kids and family dogs star in Concord Halloween Parade and Costume Contest
Concord's Todos Santos Plaza is the place to be on Sunday, Oct. 25, when the City's annual Halloween Parade and Costume Contest takes over the park for some frightfully fun activities. Downtown businesses are in the spirit with imaginative and lively scarecrows adorning many store windows as part of the Downtown Concord Scarecrow contest. The winner will be announced during the festivities.
Registration for the costume contest begins at 10:30 a.m. At noon, participants will parade around the plaza on foot for the benefit of the judges, picking up free treats as they go. Categories include babies and toddlers, kids, teens and adults, and groups. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in all four categories.
Leading the parade this year will be Mr. Carrot, mascot for the Concord's Farmers' Market, and the Bookworm, mascot for Half Price Books.
Entertainment will include a show by The Puppet Company, performance by D'Ann's Academy of Dance and demonstrations by the Concord Police Department K9 unit.
In addition to the traditional parade and costume contest, the Mayor's Mongrel Mash Pooch Parade costume contest will put the spotlight on the family pet. Registration for the Pooch Parade is from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Costumed dogs must be on a leash and will stroll for the judges and the audience from 1:45 to 2 p.m. Special guest judge will be Contra Costa Times columnist Gary Bogue.
The event takes place rain or shine. Todos Santos Plaza is located in downtown Concord at Willow Pass Road and Grant Street. Plenty of free parking is available at two municipal garages on Salvio Street.
Concord residents can watch the live broadcast of the parade on Concord TV cable channel 28 (Comcast subscribers) and 29 (Astound subscribers). The event will also be streamed live on the City's website at www.cityofconcord.org. From the "Video and TV" box, select "Watch Concord Cable TV."
For more information call the Downtown Events Hotline, (925) 671-3464, contact Downtown Program Manager Florence Weiss at (925) 671-3403, Downtown Assistant Mark Haselfeld at (925) 671-3258 or visit Concord's community calendar site at www.concordfirst.org