The town’s Parks & Recreation Department wants everyone to come out and celebrate this year’s Halloween Spooktacular on Sunday, Oct. 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. on the Guilford Green. This annual event, nixed by COVID last year is back and free to the community, with several associated events that highlight this community resource.

According to Recreation Supervisor Ellen Clow, the Halloween Spooktacular has been an event that has evolved over the last 10-plus years. Originally, residents were encouraged to come and meet on the green and then parade around. However, the event has moved from a parade to a more structured nature.

“The event did not happen in 2020 due to COVID restrictions. This year, due to continued COVID concerns we have decided to change the event a little. Rather than having the Trunk or Treat on Park Street, we are asking organizations and businesses to set up a table (spread out) on the green for folks to walk around and collect a treat and if possible have a carnival-style game for kids to try their luck at, including witches’ ring toss, pumpkin bowling, [or] bean bag toss,” said Clow. “There will also be walk around entertainment by Amazing Andy, storytelling at the Guilford Free Library, and Sound Spectrum Entertainment will be playing music.”

Winners of the Window Painting and Scarecrow projects, which are being held in conjunction with the festive Halloween spirit, will be announced at the Spooktacular.

Guilford Youth & Family Services Program Director Karolin Regan said these events are a critical component of their community outreach and a great way for everyone to enjoy the town’s beloved green.

“The Halloween events on the Guilford Green are a great way for the community and families to enjoy time together. The events help foster the developmental asset of community values youth in our children,” said Reagan. “The more developmental assets that youth have the less likely they are to engage in high-risk behaviors and the more likely they are to thrive.”

Anyone interested in registering a table on the green for the Spooktacular, in place of the Trunk or Treat style held in previous years, should contact Ellen Clow at the Park & Recreation Department at 203-453-8086. The deadline for table registration is Friday, Oct. 22.