With its gaining popularity, the Wild Rumpus now requires a year’s worth of planning, Conley says, noting that next year’s storyboards, budgeting, and staff requirements are laid out as soon as one Rumpus ends. “Athens attracts a lot of artists and musicians, and my personal mission is to do what I can to pay those creative people.” “Each year, I try to increase the amount that we pay the people that put in time and make this a worthwhile gig for local artists, musicians, and lighting designers,” he explains. True to his own profession in the arts, Conley says he does everything he can to ensure that his staff is compensated for their work. Permits, lights, props, and staff are made possible through sponsorships from local businesses. Over the years, the event has grown both in attendance and in the number of staff and volunteers necessary to make each Rumpus bigger, better, and more exciting than the last. There were so many people, I got a ticket for obstructing traffic!”Īfter seeing the success of the first Rumpus, Conley knew that he had to keep the tradition going. “I decided to go and son-of-a-gun, there were 200-300 people in the rain, in their homemade costumes. “The first year, it was cold and raining and I almost didn’t even go downtown,” Conley admits. “I moved to Athens right after I graduated, formed a new band, got to know the community, and immediately started doing Halloween shows since I always loved Halloween.”Įxpectations were low for the inaugural year of the parade. “When I was at UMass, my girlfriend at the time noted that my band was better than my painting,” he laughs. One year, a small group of people dressed up in sports uniforms and painted themselves gold, like a case full of trophies.” “There are some star players every year, though. There are no contests or prizes for best costumes because we want an even playing field for all,” Conley asserts. The parade is free, family-friendly, and anyone dressed in a costume may participate. The two-day celebration includes free and ticketed special events, street performers, and the big parade through the streets of downtown Athens, enhanced by area bands performing live along the parade route. “I decided to create something where the spectators ARE the parade!” “I had been to Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans, in costume and ready to participate, but then realized that people were just watching the parades as spectators,” he recalls. The annual Halloween spectacular is one of the city’s staple events thanks to artist, musician, and parade master of ceremonies Timi Conley ’90. The parade will end with a dance party on the corner of Washington and Pulaski streets with The Booty Boyz and DJ Chief Rocka and will feature aerialists on trapeze.Ghouls, dragons, princesses, and creatures from all walks of life line up to partake in the Wild Rumpus parade in Athens, GA. Along the parade route, more music and entertainment will be provided by Dialectic Flowers, DK, El ChupaSKAbra, Father Werewolf, Fishbug, Kxng Blanco and Caulfield featuring DJ Kountry Boy, OHMU, SHVKTi, Spectre of Surf, and White Rabbit Collective. with performances by Monsoon, Luxury Vehicle, and Bichos Vivos. ![]() that will allow the outdoor consumption of alcohol with the purchase of a wristband from Creature Comforts, Paloma Park, Ted’s Most Best, Rook & Pawn and Trappeze Pub inside the festival zone.īefore the parade, a "Rumpus Rally" is scheduled to take place from 5 p.m. More: FAQ: Answering your most common questions about Athens' COVID-19 vaccine incentive programįor attendees over 21 years of age, a designated "open container festival zone" has been created within a barricade of four city blocks downtown from 5 p.m.
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