This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
10/25/2016 03:45 PMWhen Ellen Clow joined the Guilford Parks & Recreation Department, she met Cheilaugh Garvey, a resident who was “over-the-top into Halloween.” Garvey shared her vision of a large Halloween event on the Guilford Green. What began as a costume parade has grown and grown into the annual Halloween Spooktacular, which returns Sunday, Oct. 30 from 2 to 4 p.m.
“Cheilaugh has since moved out of town, but she was a driving force for us to put together a huge Halloween event,” said Clow. “Every year, we’ll email each other around Halloween and she loves that it has turned into such a big event.”
One of the things that has helped the event grow and draw more people every year—this year 500 to 700 people are expected—is the cooperation between various town departments and organizations as the Rec Department is working with the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce and Guilford Youth & Family Services.
This is the first year for the scarecrow building contest. Businesses and organizations built themed scarecrows and nearly a dozen decorated scenes will be on display through Nov. 1. About 20 businesses around the Green have themed painted windows by groups and organizations in town. Residents can vote for their favorite scarecrow or window scene in the albums on the Town of Guilford Facebook page through Oct. 29 and winners will be announced at the Spooktacular.
In addition to enjoying the scarecrows and painted windows, the Spooktacular has many other free events activities throughout the day. John Saville will DJ on the Green where there will also be inflatables, face-painting, costume contests, and Ashley’s ice cream sundaes.
“The Spooktacular has proven to be a very successful and fun event for the entire community,” said Karolin Regan, LCSW and program director for Guilford Youth & Family Services. “This event is a great way to show Guilford youth that they are valued in our community.”
One of the most popular aspects of the Spooktacular is Trunk or Treat. The Guilford Police Department closes down Park Street and participants park their cars so that children can go from trunk to trunk collecting treats. Many of the trunks are decorated.
Residents aren’t the only ones who sign up for a spot. The Guilford Police Department will have its crime unit lab, there will be a truck from the Guilford Fire Department, and the Guilford High School hockey team brings a net for children to shoot on.
“It really nice to see how many families, businesses, and organizations take part and the whole community comes together for the event,” said Clow. “Trunk or Treat provides a safe environment for families and kids of all ages to walk up and down Park Street and enjoy the event.”
“It’s one of my favorite events because as people arrive, you just stand on Green and see so many different families and community members and it’s just a really nice sight,” added Clow. “Everybody comes together, smiling and having a good time.”
To register a vehicle for Trunk or Treat, call 203-453-8068 or register on GuilfordParkRec.com with program number 41106.