Skelebration to feature spooky skeletons, family activities

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Residents and visitors alike can enjoy family fun and spooky skeletons at the Downtown St. Clair Shores Skelebration on Oct. 28.

Amy O’Brien-Kravitz, new vehicle sales manager at Roy O’Brien Ford, said the Skelebration will be before the regularly scheduled social district event. It is the third year for both the Skelebration and the social district, O’Brien-Kravitz said.   

“From two to five (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) it’s all about the kiddos,” O’Brien-Kravitz said. “So they have a Halloween DJ, magic show, trick or treating, costume parade and then it ends with a pumpkin patch.”

O’Brien-Kravitz also said the individual shops will have sales and they might have their individual celebrations. Greater Mack Avenue from south Nine Mile to the Nine Mack Drive and Cavalier Drive intersection will close down from 2 p.m. to midnight that day.

The regular social district will kick off at 5 p.m. after the conclusion of the Skelebration, O’Brien-Kravitz said.

“So the street remains closed, and people can enjoy food trucks, the live music. They can purchase beverages at one bar or restaurant and walk to another one,” O’Brien-Kravitz said. “Anything that’s within a common area.”

There is no admission for the Skelebration, and it will be more fun if the kids come in costume, O’Brien-Kravitz said.

“I’ve seen where adults come in costume for the social district part of it because it is the last one of the season,” O’Brien-Kravitz said. “So people tend to like this one because it is their last chance to be in the downtown area and celebrate at a social district until next year.”

The downtown businesses are decorated with skeletons of all shapes and sizes. Gloria Kinne, owner of Circare and a member of the 9-Mack Merchants Association, said the skeletons are thematic to the businesses.

Some are chilling outside having a nice cup of coffee while others are raking leaves. O’Brien-Kravitz said around 75% of the businesses now have skeletons outside including one business that hasn’t moved in yet.

“It’s fun to watch the businesses have fun and get into the spirit of Halloween,” O’Brien-Kravitz said.

Kinne said one of the newest things featured at the Skelebration this year is a pet parade. There will also be performances by the two dance schools located downtown. Other things include magic shows and a DJ.

“So it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Kinne said.

Every year the Skelebration grows exponentially, Kinne said.

“We never really expected the kind of turnout that we’ve had,” Kinne said. “But it’s a lot of fun for kids and adults both.”

She later said that in previous years, she’s run out of candy to pass out to the kids. She started with a set amount of goodie bags and ran out halfway through.

There is no alcohol allowed at the Skelebration between the hours of 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. It will be available at the start of the social district event. Kinne said no alcohol is to be brought into the district.

“It can be purchased here on-site,” Kinne said. “According to the state regulations and various liquor licenses, they can’t bring their own liquor into the area.”

O’Brien-Kravitz said the 9-Mack Merchants Association plans a lot of these events including the Junefest and the Jingle Mingle on Dec. 2.

“It’s kind of a holiday kick off for all the businesses in the area,” O’Brien-Kravitz said. “They’re going to have sales and promotions and festivities happening to welcome people to downtown St. Clair Shores as we kick off the holiday season.”

O’Brien-Kravitz is really into Halloween and is excited for the Skelebration.

“I’m just happy to see all the businesses get into it and it’s fun to see the look on kids’ face(s) when they come down and see all the skeletons and all the fun that’s happening that day,” O’Brien-Kravitz said.

Kinne also said she’s excited.

“It’s great fun to see the kids in the costume and the adults, some of them are amazing, and I think everybody has a really good time,” Kinne said.