The weather is cooling down, days are getting shorter and fall is in the air. This also indicates that Halloween festivities are almost here. Do you have your costume picked out yet?
Get ready for one of the more recent island traditions and unique ways to enjoy this spooky holiday — the Isle of Palms Halloween Golf Cart Parade & Carnival — slated for Oct. 26 from 4-6 p.m at the IOP recreation center. The event was first created in 2020, complete with a terrifying drive-thru haunted house, to give residents something fun to scream about during COVID: a time when people missed fellowship and social interaction the most.
Halloween is now only weeks away and the rec center is excited for another year of creepy costumes and decked out carts. Last year, 56 golf carts participated in the parade. This year, they want everyone who has a golf cart to come out and partake in the ghoulish fanfare.
The parade route begins on 27th Avenue and goes through the neighborhood and back to the rec center’s parking lot, explained recreation supervisor Kelsey Marsh. There is a drive-thru candy station and golf carts that can fit are allowed to drive through the haunted house.
“It’s funny, a lot of residents are super creative with decorating their carts,” Marsh shared. Though no specific theme has been set yet this year for the haunted house, it will undoubtedly preoccupy your dreams thereafter.
All golf cart entries must register through the recreation department to participate. Registration is open now up until a few days prior to the parade. Prizes will be awarded to the best three decorated carts in the parade.
As far as rules go, no materials may be thrown from or to golf carts along the parade route and participants must stay in/on the cart at all times. No spraying water or the use of water balloons can be employed on spectators. Golf carts must remain in motion; stopping to talk with spectators is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any golf cart, or on the person of any participant. If participants consume alcohol prior to or during the parade, they will be removed from the lineup.
Drivers of all vehicles in the parade area must possess a valid driver’s license, be at least 16 years old and retain all liability insurance. Pets may ride in the golf cart parade but must stay inside the cart, safely secured.
For more information, visit iop.net/recreation/special-events-holiday-activities/halloween-carnival.
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