[New post] It’s baaack: Monster Day gets ready to creep back into downtown Greeley Aug. 12
Tamara Markard posted: "As the entertainment reporter for the Greeley Tribune and editor for A&E Spotlight, there are certain events that I can count on to take place each year like clockwork, minus any pandemics or wonky weather. One such event is that of Monster Day, wh" Greeley Tribune
As the entertainment reporter for the Greeley Tribune and editor for A&E Spotlight, there are certain events that I can count on to take place each year like clockwork, minus any pandemics or wonky weather.
One such event is that of Monster Day, which this year is set for noon Saturday, Aug. 12 in the Eighth and Ninth streets plaza.
Monster Day is the one time of the year where creepy crawlies slither out from under youngsters' beds, step out of the depths of dark closets and uproot themselves from eternal sleep to make their way to downtown Greeley where they will mingle among mortals of all ages.
Being the big chicken that I am of haunted houses, horror movies and anything associated with the undead, demons, the Blob, aliens or online dating apps, Monster Day is surprisingly one of my favorite events of the year.
Monster Day in downtown Greeley is the one day where creepy crawlies of all kinds can get out and about in daylight amongst mortal community members.(Greeley Tribune file photo)
Aside from the event taking place during the daylight hours where things can't really hide in shadows and jump out at you, it's organized by two of the most amazing and interesting people that just happen to live in Greeley: Ed and Marsha Edmunds.
Each year the Edmunds and their crew create a unique mascot for the event.
The first year was Greeley Gremlin, followed by Chewbie, Fang, Galaxy, Pops and last year's Rex.
For the most part, each of the mascots possess cute and endearing qualities that seem to attract affection and admiration from all ages — even myself.
Monster Day mascots have become so popular that people collect each new member and fans definitely have their favorites.
The big brain is expected to be back at this year's Monster Day, ready and very willing to deliver endless insults and opinions to visitors at the event. (Greeley Tribune file photo)
Prior to each Monster Day, the Edmunds and organizers unveil the event's newest mascot — and this year was no different.
However, when I caught a glimpse of this year's mascot, Mutinee, I just about peed my pants.
Mutinee is the pint-size, yet no less scary, version of 2022 Monster Day's spitting, roaring and thrashing animatronic named "The Mutant."
"The Mutant was a super popular animatronic last year, so the baby is just his little offspring so-to-speak," Marsha Edmunds explained.
With his claw-like fingers and toes, devious yellow eyes and a mouth full of sharp teeth complete with oozing drool, Mutinee is something out of babysitters' nightmares. And I can pretty much guarantee the diaper he's wearing has some pretty scary contents as well.
GREELEY, CO - JUNE 28:2023 Monster Day mascot Mutinee is held in the arms of the Terminator at the Distortions Unlimited studio in Greeley Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Monster Day 2023 is set to take place Saturday, Aug. 12 in downtown Greeley. (Photo by Alex McIntyre for The Greeley Tribune)
"Yes, this one is a little more intense than some of them have been. Maybe because the previous ones are all clearly alien/animal based. This one's 'human' features make it more terrifying," said Alison Hamling, director of Experience with Greeley's Downtown Development Authority. "We always have a committee discussion, but ultimately it's the artist's prerogative. Ed and Tom at Distortions do a fantastic job and everything they make is tremendously popular."
If Mutinee is just the appetizer for the feast that is Monster Day, visitors can expect to get their fill of fun.
Visitors can expect to see many favorite vendors and attractions returning to this year's festivities, however, there are quite a few new things that will be featured this year.
There will be a Wednesday Dance Contest, more food vendors and makeup artists will be fixing up local musicians Ryan Chrys and The Roughcuts with custom Monster Day makeup to kick things off at Friday Fest the evening before the big event.
GREELEY, CO - JUNE 28:Founder Ed Edmunds pages through a book showing one of the inspirations for GreeleyÕs Monster DayÐMonster Daze, held in Hollywood, Calif. in the 1960s by now-defunct Don Post StudiosÐat the Distortions Unlimited studio in Greeley Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Monster Day 2023 is set to take place Saturday, Aug. 12 in downtown Greeley. (Photo by Alex McIntyre for The Greeley Tribune)
"You won't want to miss the new man-eating chicken," Hamling said. "We're also welcoming several YouTube influencers from around the country who will be recording their escapades."
The Edmunds will be bringing out their life-sized Terminator display and the Distortions Speed Mask Painting demonstration is getting revamped to include more masks and prizes for audience members.
"I've done this every year and I started out with painting 10 masks and I got up to 30 masks. The problem is, they weren't dry so I couldn't throw them out to the audience," Ed Edmunds said. "So I came up with this idea to do rub-outs and we would just do the finish details at the event and as we finish, we can throw them out."
"The stage performance will be highly exaggerated; it'll be an extravaganza," Marsha Edmunds added.
All ages are invited to come and check out Monster Day 2023 on Saturday, Aug. 12 in downtown Greeley. (Greeley Tribune file photo)
Music fans, specifically those of Alice Cooper, will get a kick out of Distortion's Franken Alice replica and a guillotine display that was actually used in Cooper's shows back in the day.
"That's kind of cool that was actually used. We made Franken Alice 12 years ago and he never stopped using it because the fans loved it," Ed Edmunds said. "He said that was the best prop he ever had."
In addition to featuring monsters, vendors and activities, the event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Don't Be A Monster, which organizes programs that raise awareness about bullying prevention for students in grades four through 10 across the nation.
"The guys that run that organization are haunters who, they themselves, were a lot of times bullied," Ed Edmunds said. "It's a really great organization."
The organization seeks "to empower students to stand up for their friends and peers, build cohesive and caring communities, and report issues to trusted adults," states its website.
"Last year we presented them with a check for $3,000," said Hamling. "Our big goal this year is to coordinate with District 6 to bring the program to Greeley's middle schools."
Visitors of all ages can participate in Monster Day fun with a variety of activities such as face painting, games, bubbles and more. (Greeley Tribune file photo)
Admission to Monster Day is free along with several activities and all ages are welcome to attend.
Well-behaved leashed dogs are allowed, however, owners should keep in mind that there will be loud noises, people in costumes and other things that could scare a pooch.
Parking can be found around Lincoln Park and throughout the downtown area.
For more information on Monster Day 2023, including how to become a sponsor, vendor or volunteer, go to www.monsterdaygreeley.com.
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