Krampuslauf Leavenworth - A Krampus SeattleEvent

The safety of our performers, attendees, and community is a top priority. All performers are expected to review and follow these guidelines before and during the event. Handlers & Wranglers — Strongly Recommended. We strongly encourage every costumed performer to bring a dedicated non-costumed handler or wrangler to the event. A handler serves as your eyes, ears, and point of contact while you are in costume — helping you navigate crowds, monitor your physical condition, communicate with event staff, and respond quickly if something goes wrong. Given the physical demands of Krampus costuming, limited visibility, and the density of the Leavenworth crowd, having a trusted person by your side is one of the most important safety decisions you can make. Performing without a handler is permitted but strongly discouraged. Costume Safety & Physical Preparation - Krampus costumes are physically demanding. Many involve significant weight, restricted visibility, and limited ventilation. Before the event, confirm that your costume allows for full range of motion and can be removed quickly in an emergency. Avoid costumes that restrict breathing, impair hearing, or create trip hazards for yourself or others. Your handler should know how to assist with emergency costume removal before you suit up. Perform a physical check before suiting up — if you are feeling unwell, fatigued, or managing an injury, do not perform. No costume is worth your health. Bring a change of clothes and allow time to cool down and recover after the procession. Your handler can help monitor your condition and make the call to pull you from the route if needed. Heat, Exertion & Hydration - Even in cold weather, heavy costuming combined with physical exertion and crowd energy can lead to overheating. Drink water before, during, and after your participation. Identify hydration and rest points along the route prior to the event. Know the signs of heat exhaustion — dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion — and remove yourself from the procession immediately if you experience any of them. A handler who knows what to watch for is invaluable here — brief them on your costume's limitations and your personal warning signs before the event begins. Weather & Outdoor Conditions - Krampuslauf Leavenworth is an outdoor event taking place in late November. Temperatures in Leavenworth can be well below freezing, and conditions may include wind, rain, or snow. Dress in appropriate base layers beneath your costume. Be aware that wet or icy surfaces can create slip hazards, particularly in heavy or elevated footwear. Your handler can help guide you through uneven or slippery terrain and flag hazardous conditions to event staff on your behalf. Crowd Management & Personal Awareness - The Leavenworth Krampuslauf draws large crowds along a dense public route. Maintain constant situational awareness. Keep your path clear, avoid backing into crowds, and never use props or movement in a way that could cause injury to bystanders. If your visibility is compromised or the crowd becomes too dense to navigate safely, stop and wait for conditions to improve. A handler is especially critical in these moments — they can clear space, communicate with bystanders, and keep you oriented when your costume limits your ability to do so. De-escalation & Conflict - If you encounter a hostile individual, protestor, or anyone attempting to provoke or interfere with your performance, do not engage. Step away, break character if necessary, and immediately notify Krampus Seattle staff or security. Your handler can serve as a first line of communication in these situations, allowing you to disengage without direct confrontation. Your safety takes priority over any performance obligation. Emergency Procedures - Familiarize yourself with the event layout and the location of first aid resources before the procession begins. In the event of a medical emergency — yours or someone else's — remove yourself from the situation if safe to do so, call 911 if needed, and notify event staff immediately. Do not attempt to manage a medical situation alone while in costume. Your handler should know the emergency plan before the event starts and be prepared to act on your behalf if you are unable to do so.