Declining participation raises possibilities for new traditions
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (October 17, 2018) – “We need to start thinking about the Halloween Parade,” said Senior Superintendent Sharon Desjardins at the October 15 Park Board meeting. “Participation has gone down every year.” Desjardins remembers that in her first years with Lan-Oak Park District, about 16 years ago, park district staff put together 1,000 candy bags for paraders. Today they make half that amount and have some left over.
“It might just be that this is not what families are looking for anymore,” said Desjardins, citing the multiple Halloween festivities available from schools, churches, and other organizations.
The Halloween Parade has been a Lansing tradition since the early 1970s, and many families have fond memories of participating. The Lan-Oak Park District respects the tradition and will continue to organize a parade as long as interest demands.
This year’s Halloween Parade is scheduled for Saturday, October 27, at 10:00am. Participation at this year’s parade will inform the Park Board’s decision about whether there is a Halloween Parade next year.
Maybe this should just be a Trunk or Treat event and include any churches that want to do the same. Have residents be in the Trunk or Treat.