DENVER — UPDATE: The Broadway Merchants Association has raised enough money to put on the Broadway Halloween parade.
The organization said they raised more than $6,000 from community donations and also recieved sponsorships from local businesses. The parade will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19.
Original story:
A spooky tradition on Broadway is in danger of being canceled this year.
Denver's annual Halloween parade needs to raise thousands of dollars in order to go on. It's become so popular, organizers have some extra expenses this year.
Last year, parade organizers said they saw the most attendees ever. Around 30,000 people came with their families last year.
President of the Broadway Merchants Association (BMA) Luke Johnson said they're struggling to come up with the money to pay the bills for the parade.
"Unfortunately, the parade’s a victim of its own success, right, where people loved it so much that we have to figure out different ways to make it work for the future," he said.
Johnson said last year their budget for the whole parade was $12,000. This year, he said the pedestrian barricades will cost them $26,000 alone. Their goal is to raise $40,000 which would also pay for other things like port-o-potties, garbage cans, and other expenses.
"Even things like parking meter bags are pretty stinking expensive just to cover the parking meters," he said. "We don’t make any money on this. We always barely pay the bills to make this happen. So you know, if people do give, just know this is not a profit thing, this is just a lets make it happen thing."
Denver Police are requiring the parade to have pedestrian barricades and parade organizers agree.
DPD said in a statement, "Last year, large crowds of spectators – including children – were standing in the roadway watching the parade. With pedestrian and spectator safety the top priority, a requirement for pedestrian fencing along the parade route was added to the event permit."
Johnson is also a small business owner on Broadway. He owns Luke & Company Fine Pet Supply. He said the parade is the biggest night of the year for many mom and pop shops. Right now he said they're seeing just shy of 30% vacancy rate this time over last year among Broadway businesses.
"We know that all of our small business owners are saying that they’re generally down in the last eight months, sales are down, the economy’s contracting, people are spending less, and so this is a great opportunity to bring a ton of business down here and support the folks that are honestly struggling a little bit," he said.
Johnson says they're struggling to come up with funds. Right now, they have about $9,000 with $1,500 coming through small donations from the community. The deadline for raising the remaining money is Sept. 6.
"We thought people just came out for it just because it was happening. We didn’t realize how many people truly care about this event," said Johnson. "It’s not a political event. It’s not religious oriented. We have not previously had any alcohol or marijuana sponsors. It’s just been a really clean event centered around kids."
The parade is free for the public to attend. They're hoping for a hero, or a big sponsor to come save their parade. If you'd like to donate click here.