Held at the Athabasca Hotel, the organization raised $2,044, about $600 more than last year, said Stephannie Veenbaas, the summer programmer for the organization.
“It was a huge turnout this year,” she said.
Capacity at the Athabasca Hotel is 295 people, but based off of what they raised she suspects up to 550 people came and went throughout the evening. At some points there was even a lineup down the street with costume-clad folks just waiting to get in.
“It’s kind of become it’s own thing,” she said. “I remember before I even knew about Halloween in July people telling me Jasper celebrates Halloween in July.”
The majority of the money goes to the organization’s summer programming, supporting initiatives such as their Safe is Sexy campaign and community fairs. Some of the money also goes toward people living with HIV and Hepatitis C, helping to cover their travel costs for treatment and educational seminars.
During the fundraising event, organizers also gave away prizes for the best overall costume, best male and female costume, as well as the best group costume. Prizes included gift certificates to the Athabasca Hotel and other small gifts, such as a backpack and candles.
Paul Clarke [email protected]
