Halloween parade and festival in McGregor on Oct. 30
By Audrey Posten, Times Register
The McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce is spearheading a new community event. With help from volunteers, the organization will hold a Halloween parade and festival in McGregor on Saturday, Oct. 30.
“We really wanted to hold a new event, and most people enjoy Halloween. We thought a parade and festival would be exciting,” said chamber executive director Jessica Goltz. “Once we announced it, many people reached out wanting to be part of the event, and are really engaged.”
The day will begin with a parade at 9:30 a.m. The route will start at the MFL MarMac Middle School and head down Main Street. Float entries are still being accepted, and businesses, organizations and individuals are encouraged to contact the chamber at (563) 873-2186 or mcgregormarquettechamber@gmail.com to sign up. Chamber bucks will be awarded to first, second and third place winners, and there is also a UTV division.
Following the parade, at 11 a.m., head downtown to watch a performance by the local Star Power Dance Team in Triangle Park. A ribbon cutting at the newly opened tavern Jade’s River Queen will also take place at that time, and visitors are welcome to enjoy the Iowa-Wisconsin football game at a local pub.
Starting at 11 a.m., the Hole in the Sock Gang will sponsor kids games at the historic Methodist Church, located on Ann Street. The group will then hold a kids costume contest around Triangle Park at 12:15 p.m., followed by its popular 1880s street theater performance at 1 p.m.
From 2 to 4 p.m., legendary McGregorites will again be brought to life through the Ghosts of McGregor’s Past Guided Historical Walking Tour. Sponsored by the McGregor Historical Museum and McGregor Historic Preservation Commission, the event will have guides lead groups to six downtown locations to watch actors—who will all be portraying colorful McGregor characters—perform short skits. Tours will leave from Triangle Park every 10 minutes, so attendees can arrive any time. Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes.
Later that night, fun continues for the adults. Jade’s River Queen will have live music from Plead the Fifth from 8 p.m. to midnight, and the local establishments will also hold a pub crawl and costume contest.
Throughout the day, visitors can check out the fall photo booth in Triangle Park and stop in local businesses and restaurants, many of whom will have specials or activities.
“By the Spoonful will have make your own caramel apple slice,” Goltz shared. “This is really bringing the businesses together to participate in the event.”
The chamber just wants everyone to have fun.
“This is a family event,” said Goltz, “and we encourage kids and adults to come dressed in their best costume.”
For more details, visit the “McGregor-Marquette, Iowa” Facebook page or contact the chamber at (563) 873-2186.
