On Saturday, Oct. 24, the Atlanta Beltline turned Historic Fourth Ward Park into a lively Halloween celebration called “Where the Weird Things Are.” The event, created by artist Chantelle Rytter and her Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons, invited residents of all ages to wander among larger‑than‑life puppets, meet creatures drawn from local folklore, and join an unconventional, interactive parade.
Community‑Focused, Interactive Experience
Unlike a traditional parade where spectators watch performers pass by, the Beltline’s version kept the puppets stationary around the park’s pond while visitors roamed freely, chatting with the creators and becoming part of the spectacle. Rytter, who launched the Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade more than 16 years ago, said the concept grew out of her love for New Orleans’ Monster Parade and a desire to showcase Atlanta’s own mythic characters.
“We wanted to fill the park with weird things like monsters and cryptids that come from local lore and legend,” Rytter explained. “Atlanta needed more of those, and they’re born out of our imagination and the place we call home.”
Returning and New Characters
Fans of the event recognized familiar faces such as Krog, the ogre of the Krog Street Tunnel, and Kazulu, Lord of the Vines, a creature inspired by the invasive kudzu vine. Other favorites included Alice, a giant alligator puppet, and the whimsical AT aliens.
This year introduced the Heebie‑Jeebies, blue monsters that “feed on bad ideas.” Attendees were encouraged to whisper their unwanted thoughts into a collector before offering them to the creatures, turning a playful ritual into a symbolic release of negativity.
Local Artists and Volunteers Bring the Magic to Life
Alicia Johnson, a member of the Krewe, described the collaborative spirit behind the event. “We call it Weird Wednesdays and the crew gets together and we help her build it,” she said. Johnson added that the characters are entirely the product of Rytter’s imagination, brought to life by dedicated volunteers.
For Johnson, the greatest reward is seeing Atlantans connect through creativity. “It’s the antidote to current times—nothing but happiness and kids laughing,” she noted.
Music, Performance, and Hands‑On Workshops
The evening featured live music from the Atlanta‑based Black Sheep Ensemble, which composed original pieces for the parade, and a performance by Mr. Damon’s Shadow Puppet Theater. In the days leading up to the event, workshops allowed participants to design cardboard masks and illuminated creatures, reinforcing Rytter’s belief that making art together strengthens community bonds.
“Let’s be imaginative and playful and make things with our hands together in real life,” Rytter said. “That’s important to me.”
Building Traditions for the Future
Rytter hopes the parade will become an annual tradition comparable to the beloved Lantern Parade. Funding for the event currently comes from grant support through Atlanta Beltline Art, meaning its continuation depends on ongoing community and donor backing.
“Participatory traditions are really good for a community,” she explained. “Creating traditions that are unique to a place helps residents feel a shared sense of identity.”
She concluded with a hopeful note for the city’s cultural future: “I hope people are glad they live in a city where something weird like this happens.” For one night, the monsters of Historic Fourth Ward Park offered Atlantans more than a Halloween scare—they reminded everyone that the city’s magic comes from the people who create it together.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
