Not quite Dead(monton) yet!

Here's something interesting, not only are/were we the City of Champions, Edmonton is vying for a new title - Deadmonton.

Originally it was used as a derogatory term - some people see this city as boring, and we do have one of the highest murder rates in the country, especially by firearms. It was even printed on shirts showing an AK-47 along with it.

This is a different approach, and we're taking the name back - sort of like the "Take Back the Night" marches that happen (ummm, do they still happen?). We want to become Deadmonton, the Horror capital - turn it into a BRAND. Thanks to Christian Nelson. And a BIG thank you to Derek Clayton. Thank you!

Read what Scott McKeen of the Edmonton Journal has to say on the subject:
http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/columnists/story.html?id=f31b6523-296d-40ef-9197-4b17f280bb2f

Then today I received an email via my HalloweenEdmonton.com website from Kenn Bur, a Co-Chair of the Connect2Edmonton group. Connect2Edmonton is a non-partisan community of people who love Edmonton, and wish to promote it to the rest of the world. Currently in their forums they are having a discussion about the McKeen article, about Christian Nelson's involvement, and also from Derek Clayton of the Deadmonton Horror Film Festival - who wanted to promote a larger Halloween festival in the city. Looks like he might get that wish!

Personally, I'm not concerned with who claims the rightful title, and as possession is a large part of the law (just ask Linda Blair!), The Deadmonton Horror Festival will be the original in my hearts. Fortunately, Derek and Christian seem to be on the same path - it's not important about how or who, it's just important that we claim the title back from its derogatory terms and make this the best damned festival the city has ever seen. Hey, we are a festival city, why not put us on the map for another one!

I encourage all of you out there to head on over to Connect2Edmonton and mark your support for this festival:
http://www.connect2edmonton.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=9491&highlight=deadmonton

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!