Halloween excitement has been building across the region, with family-friendly activities happening now and more still to come. On Tuesday, October 28, Sullivan Taylor Uptown kicked off the celebrations with a lively Pumpkin Carving Contest. The store provided pumpkins and carving tools, leaving participants free to unleash their creativity. As carvers worked, local judges evaluated the entries, and onlookers cheered while enjoying drinks and Sullivan’s fresh-baked treats. Prizes were awarded for first, second, and third place.
Friday evening, October 31, is the official Halloween night for most communities. Residents eager to welcome trick-or-treaters should turn on their porch lights to invite ghouls, goblins, and children of all ages to stop by for treats.
Across the area, communities offer a variety of festive events to enjoy: In Bushnell, the Costume Parade and East Park Trunk or Treat bring together local organizations, businesses, and families who decorate their car trunks and hand out goodies. The VFW Auxiliary will serve hotdogs, courtesy of Bushnell Market. Visitors can also explore the Haunted House, sponsored by the Pigg Farm and Bushnell Scouts.
Colchester’s trick-or-treating runs from 5 to 8 p.m., with the Fire Department hosting indoor trick-or-treating from 6 to 8 p.m. Meanwhile, Blandinsville’s First Christian Church will hold a Trunk or Treat from 4 to 6 p.m.
Macomb offers a full slate of activities. Neighborhood trick-or-treating takes place from 6 to 8:30 p.m.; homes with porch lights on are welcoming visitors. Maple Avenue Christian Church invites families to a free GLOW! event from 5 to 7 p.m., while residents of The Elms will greet visitors showing off their costumes from 5:30 to 7 p.m. For those seeking thrills, the Delta Upsilon Haunted Trail at 620 Elting St. offers a spooky experience for a $7 ticket.
If you prefer to keep it low-key, you can also stay in your car and take a drive through the community to admire the many decorated homes—some featuring animated displays with eerie sounds and special effects.
The Halloween fun doesn’t end on October 31. On Saturday, November 1, the Macomb YMCA will host a free Post-Halloween Party from 6 to 8 p.m., complete with a costume contest, games, pizza, and more. Then, on Saturday, November 8, the Macomb Park District will hold its popular Pumpkin Smash at Veterans’ Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
