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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels October 30, 2004 Samba heats up Halloween parade By Bill Choy Ashland Daily Tidings Each Halloween, "Samba Like it Hot" brings a little spice to the Ashland Chamber of Commerce Children's Halloween Parade, and the festivities around town that night. In the parade's 12th year, the group, made up of local volunteers, will play rhythmic Brazilian samba music and lead the children's Halloween parade in the afternoon. In the evening, they bring their drums, bells and other musical instruments to downtown and perform for those celebrating Halloween, many who form a circle and dance along to the beat. The performers also join in the festivities, wearing colorful costumes such a waiter behind a table, a Geisha, witches, pirates and a scarecrow. The group, which averages more than 30 people performing during Halloween and more than 70 during Ashland's Fourth of July Parade, was founded by Ashland resident Chris Wood. He said he wanted to bring a festive, fun atmosphere to Halloween here. "Ashland didn't have a carnival band when I started," Wood said. "It's a tradition in many parts of the world. It's a way to celebrate with the community. ... You get to dress-up funny, and get to go down the middle of town making music. ... I look into the band at Halloween and see all the interesting costumes, and many times, I don't know who's who in the band." Wood said he especially enjoys the children's Halloween parade, and watching parents and their kids dance along to the music as they follow the band through town. "It's a very festive environment," he said. "It helps the kids feel like it's really their town. There's just something special about celebrating in the street." Four years ago, Janel Fredericks of Ashland performed with "Samba Like it Hot" for the first time on Halloween night. "A friend of mine told me I got to come out and see it," she said. "It was a lot of fun. People just followed us around and wanted to dance." Fredericks said it's a privilege to be able to participate in the Halloween celebration each year. "It gives people something to look forward to each year," she said. "It's very rhythmic and very upbeat, and makes you feel good." Mary Pat Parker, director of public relations and marketing with the chamber, said the group is an important part of Halloween here. "They add that special touch," she said. "It gets everyone moving and to put on their happy feet. It's hard not to have a smile on your face when you see them dancing down the streets. We just love them." The children's Halloween parade begins at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, in front of the Ashland Public Library at 410 Siskiyou Blvd. DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams