Though this year’s street parade is wisely canceled, the Wild Rumpus marches on by celebrating the artists and performers of Athens through virtual platforms.
Explore the “Wild Rumpus Virtual Art Show,” an online collection of over 100 pieces by local artists interpreting this year’s theme, “Magical.” Presented through tiny ATH gallery, the artwork is for sale and 40% of all sales will be donated between the Wild Rumpus, tiny ATH and this year’s selected charity, Food2Kids.
Make a bid through the Wild Rumpus Fundraiser Online Auction. Featured items include one-of-a-kind works by artists Sam Balling and David Hale, autographed memorabilia from R.E.M. and Drive-By Truckers and distinctly Athens items like a guitar from Baxendale Guitars and a signed copy of Tracy Adkins Ghosts of Athens: History and Haunting of Athens, Georgia.
Get cozy on the couch for “The Rumpus Show,” a 30-minute Halloween TV special. Hosted by master of ceremonies Timi Conley, the program includes spirited clips contributed by Cindy Wilson, Pylon Reenactment Society, High Falootin’ Scallywags Drum Brigade, Calico Vision, Wonderland Rangers, Pinky Doodle Poodle, White Rabbit Collective, Caulfield, Fishbug, Shehehe, Kxng Blanco, Danza Azteca, Nicholas Mallis, SHVKTi, Immaterial Posession, Carla LeFever and the Rays, Ad Blanco, Andrea & Mud, The Banditas, Gumbo Rivers, Cabbage Looper, Moonlight Theater, Peepa Show, Kevin O’Neil Magic and Pumpkin Head. Phew! There will be two showings at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31 through Facebook, YouTube and wildrumpus.org.
The Wild Rumpus will have a souvenir stand set up outside of Heirloom Café on Oct. 31 from 4–9 p.m. Don’t all go there at once, but consider making a swift pit stop if you’re out trying to catch the Athens Halloween Car Rally or taking a drive through the Boulevard neighborhood to see the creative decor of homes that participated in Flagpole’s Cruise Down Spooky Street.
Following the TV special, the Wild Rumpus suggests decentralized, socially distanced “rumpus-in-place” activities that can be shared virtually through social media using the hashtag #wildrumpusparade. After a group howl (this can double as a communal scream into the void) under the glow of a full moon at 8 p.m. sharp, the Wild Rumpus’ streaming channel will resume with a livestream of DJ Booty Boyz, DJ Starchild and special guest SHVKTi.
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