News Release
September 20, 2011
Halloween scarecrow and costume contests coming to Concord
Todos Santos Plaza in Concord is the place to be on Sunday, Oct. 30, 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 early in the month with imaginative and lively scarecrows adorning many store windows as part of the Downtown Concord Scarecrow contest. This year’s theme is “Saluting Bay Area Baseball.” Customers can vote for their favorite scarecrows from Oct. 6 to Oct. 28. The winner of the contest will be announced at the Halloween event.
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 concert by the Oak Grove Bluegrass Band, a 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.
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.