Yep. You heard correctly. There are three mischievous dads participating in this year’s Parade of Mischief Halloween parade at DTS every Friday and Saturday at 6pm along Park Centre Drive in October.
The parent’s of youth cast in the parade eagerly agreed to particiate in the weekly parades as Chewbacca, Dr. Finkelstein and La Catrina Drive of the Día de los Muertos float.
Here to share a little about their experiences in the spotlight are Hartley Delvalle (Chewbacca), Star Wars Pod; Alex Aguilar (La Catrina Driver), Dia De los Muertos Pod; and Eddy Perez (Dr. Finkelstein), The Nightmare Before Christmas Pod.
Hartley Delvalle (Chewbacca), Star Wars Pod
DAUGHTER NAME AND CHARACTER IN PARADE: Emily Delvalle (Fallen Order Soldier), Star Wars Pod
Q: How did you end up in the POM parade?
A: My daughter called me from rehearsal and asked if I would come down and help fill in as Chewbacca due to unforeseen circumstances with a former cast member. I was at the time changing tires on a classic car when I received the call. I immediately stopped what I was doing and said, “Yes, I will be right there”. I had no idea I would end up in the parade. My daughter is 12 years old and when your kid asks you for help, I’d be a fool to say no. I want her to know that I will be there for her when or if she ever needs me.
Q: Tell us about the special connection and impression this year’s parade will leave on you and your child?
A: I am a dance dad and I know how much my daughter works on her craft. Most of the kids I’ve seen at past dance completions. These kids are like well-greased machines. They are disciplined, hardworking, devoted and overall good human beings. To be a great leader, you must be a great follower. My daughter and all the kids involved in the parade will be great leaders in part because of this experience. I am honored to be in the parade with them.
Q: Was your child embarrassed to attend rehearsals and performances with their dad?
A: I did not notice any embarrassment with my daughter and the other kids. But if I start doing anything close to embarrassing by her standards, she is quick to give me the famous eye that I gave her when she was younger. That look speaks louder than actual words.
Q: Favorite Halloween character/pod?
A: I really don’t have a favorite. All the characters are amazing. My favorite pod is the Star Wars pod.
Q: This is obviously a dance-centric parade that’s set to music and involves set choreography. Were you able to keep up?
A: Initially I had a hard time but just like anything in life, if you are interested and care about what you’re doing, it normally just falls in place and things work out. I will always have respect for choreographers and those who learn choreography. The ability to count in 8’s is my new life skill since being part of the parade.
Q: Insider’s tip: where’s the best spot to watch the parade from? A: Best place to watch the parade in my opinion is behind the mask but to spectate the parade I would say by “It’s sugar”. A lot of the pods stop and perform there so it’s a great location to see it from start to finish.
Alex Aguillar – La Catrina, Dia De los Muertos Pod
DAUGHTER NAME AND CHARACTER IN PARADE: Giselle Aguillar – La Catrina Dancer, Dia De los Muertos Pod
Q: How did you end up in the POM parade?
A: I helped set up the parade props and floats last year and this year they needed drivers to drive the golf carts, so I volunteered.
Q: Tell us about the special connection and impression this year’s parade will leave on you and
your child?
A: It’s nice to be able to still do things together. Now that’s she’s a teenager, she likes to be around me.
Q: Was your child embarrassed to attend rehearsals and performances with their dad?
A: Not at all. Giselle is used to me being around since I drive her to dance studios around town.
Q: Favorite Halloween character/pod?
A: Día de los Muertos because we are in the same pod and I get to see her perform. But if I had to choose another pod, it would be the “Dr Funk” pod because of the choreography.
Q: This is obviously a dance-centric parade that’s set to music and involves set choreography. Were you able to keep up?
A: Negative. I believe I have two left feet, but I try to keep up on the little choreography I’ve learned.
Q: Insider’s tip: where’s the best spot to watch the parade from? A: The “It’s sugar” stop. Each pod gets to dance to their music choreography so it’s a great location to see it from.
Eddy Perez – Dr. Frankenstein, The Addams Family Pod
DAUGHTER NAME AND CHARACTER IN PARADE: Caroline Perez-Solano – Uncle Fester, The Addams Family Pod
Q: Tell us about the special connection and impression this year’s parade will leave on you and
your child?
A: One of the connections that this parade will leave me and my daughters is making memories and a good, close bond. It’s been a family affair as my wife is a wardrove and parade supervisor and our other daughter is a swing performer and parade supervisor, so we are all involved, which has been special.
Q: Was your child embarrassed to attend rehearsals and performances with their dad?
A: No, they were excited and proud because I haven’t done anything like this before.
Q: Favorite Halloween character/pod?
A: To be honest all the pods and characters are amazing, but my favorite pod is The Addam’s family because Uncle Fester is my daughter.
Q: Insider’s tip: where’s the best spot to watch the parade from?
A: By the VIP section (between It’Sugar or American Eagle, Dave & Buster’s corners), you can watch them all perform with their main theme song.
Be sure to check out the Parade of Mischief at Downtown Summerlin every Friday and Saturday night in October at 6pm on Park Centre Drive for a spooktacular and entertaining Halloween-themed spectacle.