Popular, free family event marks 8th year
By Barb Pert Templeton
A favorite Halloween event in Algonac this weekend, Halloween in the Nac’, will bring hundreds of people to the community on Saturday afternoon.
Organized by members of the group, Algonac Alive, the popular seasonal event was launched in the community by Algonac Alive, specifically member Michael Bembas.
“I love Halloween, about seven years ago, we had a community meeting where our citizens asked for events surrounding holidays, so that was perfect for me. I ran with the idea and have grown the event ever since,” Bembas previously stated.
This is the 8th Annual Halloween in the Nac’ hosted by the non-profit group, Algonac Alive.
This year, games, bounce houses, face painting and dancing with a local group called the ‘Swamp Witches,’ will be part of the fun at Smith Recreation Park from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. A maze will return to the event his year and there will also be craft and vendor booths setup from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. plus food trucks.
In addition, registration for the annual Children’s Parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. at Woodside Church and will step off at 1 p.m. and travel to Smith Recreation Park.
Bembas said the Algonac Alive raises funds through vendor fees to make everything free to the children. The group doesn’t make a profit off the event and simply put all the funds raised right back into it.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Bembas to pose additional questions about Halloween in the Nac.’
BWHL: Is the maze portion of the event a new item? How does that work – where is setup ect?
Bembas: All of our events and games are at Smith Field. We are bringing back the pallet maze after a three-year absence.
BWHL: Are they any rules for the parade – are adults and pets allowed to participate too?
Bembas: Everyone can participate. We encourage everyone to participate.
This is the 8th Annual Halloween in the Nac’ hosted by the non-profit group, Algonac Alive.
BWHL: What about food or candy – are they available for purchase or some being passed out?
Bembas: Everything is free. Lots and lots of candy.
BWHL: How many volunteers does it take to make this event happened?
Bembas: About 50 volunteers, everyone working there is a volunteer.
BWHL: Any idea how many people attend the event? Do they come from across the county?
Bembas: We get about 400 people from all over St. Clair County.
BWHL: Is there a costume contest? How does it work?
Bembas: No costume contest.
BWHL: Can you share a little about the Swamp Witches – who are they and how this act came about at Halloween in the Nac?
Bembas: About four years ago, some people in Algonac got together and started this dance company. I love it because it started out as a grass roots organization and has grown every year since.
BWHL: Since this is a free event for the public where does the money come from to support it? Fundraisers?
Bembas: Algonac Alive is the sponsoring group that puts this on. They provide the funding.
BWHL: Is this event held rain or shine?
Bembas: Yes, it is.
Smith Recreation Park is located at 404 Clay Street in Algonac.
