Hundreds of people took up the Clay & Paper Theatre's invitation to parade their private and collective fears through the darkened streets of Toronto in Saturday's 11th annual Night of Dread. The procession of musicians, puppeteers, dancers, stilt walkers and assorted ghouls, ghosts, and other scary creatures walked, danced, and cycled along the hour-long route, which wove it's way from Dufferin Grove park along stretches of Bloor, Concord, College, and Davenport to the surprise and delight of appreciative bystanders before winding it's way back to the playing field for ceremonial festivities that compelled participants to call on, mock and banish the fears that unite and divide us all in these times.

Here's a collection of photos from the alternately colourful and dark event.

Some of the puppets waiting for their human hosts.

One of the signs from the garden of fears held by the inimitable and unlonely G_Grrl.

Band of Dread? Trombones and Saxophones helped chase away the demons along Bloor Street West.

One of the Shamen getting ready to lead the way.

Writing and photography by Scott Snider (a.k.a sniderscion).