The Edmonton Expo Centre looked festive for Halloween yesterday as hundreds of kids dressed up in costumes came with family to the eighteenth annual Scarecrow Festival.
With the event growing in popularity over the years, Theresa Alvarado explained why she brings her grandchildren, Aysha and Denyella Napper, every year:
“Not all the festivals are as family friendly as this particular one in terms of finance. Especially with her (Asysha) not being in school, it gives them a place to celebrate and wear their outfit other than trick-or-treating.”
In addition to the petting zoo, inflatable obstacle courses, and coffin and pumpkin decorating, the festival is also for a good cause.
“All proceeds from this event go towards ABC Head Start, which is a wonderful program that helps low-income kids and their families really get a head start before they hit kindergarten,” said Brenda McCleallan, the Scarecrow Festival chairperson.
In the last 17 years proceeds from the festival for ABC Head Start have totalled $1.75 million. This year the goal is to raise $60,000.
