In addition to the town-hosted Trunk or Treat, which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 30, there is no shortage of fall fun in North Haven over the next few weeks hosted by a variety of groups and organizations. The town’s Trunk or Treat event is a tradition born out of necessity 10 years ago after power outages and storm damage from Superstorm Sandy.

“Trunk or Treat started with the First Selectman’s Office when Halloween was canceled,” said Andy DelVecchio, assistant director of recreation for North Haven’s Community Services and Recreation Department. “It was originally done because there was no Halloween, but people really liked it so the town continued to offer it.”

The First Selectman’s Office hosted Trunk or Treat for five years before the Recreation Department took it over, hosting it every year until last year. In 2020, the in-person Trunk or Treat was cancelled due to COVID, but DelVecchio and his team hosted a drive-through candy pickup in front of their decorated department, doing a similar event for Easter.

Trunk or Treat has grown over the years and now averages hundreds of participants. With it back in person this year, DelVecchio is expecting another large turnout. Registration is underway for the 2021 Trunk or Treat and will be taken through Friday, Oct. 29. Registration is being accepted in person at the Recreation Office, 7 Linsley Street, North Haven, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is open to North Haven residents only and proof of residency must be shown when registering.

“Anyone who participates sets up a trunk and their kids can go around,” said DelVecchio. “

The 2021 Trunk or Treat is Saturday, Oct. 30 from 4 to 5 p.m. weather-permitting at North Haven High School, 221 Elm Street, North Haven. Due to “all of the moving parts,” DelVecchio noted there will not be a rain date. Participants should bring candy for 300 trunk-or-treaters and must arrive between 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. in order to be directed to the parking lot.

“The [North Haven] Police Department [NHPD] will bring in the cars from the street and the Knights of Columbus will direct cars into their spaces so we have everyone parked as safely as possible,” said DelVecchio. “It’s all for the kids and to give them a safe environment.”

DelVecchio noted that the event is a team effort. In addition to thanking NHPD and the Knights of Columbus, he noted that the First Selectman’s Office, North Haven Fire Department, Public Works Department, the Field Operations Office, Board of Education, and Community Emergency Response Team are all instrumental in the execution of the event.

“Some people really go all out in decorating their trunks,” said DelVecchio. “The kids dress up and a lot of the parents do, too.”

Peter’s Rock Fall Festival: Oct. 17

The Peter’s Rock Association is hosting its annual Fall Festival, bringing the event back after a pandemic-related hiatus. The Fall Festival will be held on Sunday, Oct. 17 from noon to 3 p.m. at Peter’s Rock Park, 133 Middletown Avenue, behind First Fuel.

The event will feature two guided hikes, which will begin at approximately 1 p.m. There will also be a storywalk and scarecrow hike. There will be face-painting and a pumpkin patch for the children.

For information, visit www.Petersrockassociation.org.

Night at the Pumpkin Patch: Oct. 22 and 23

A Night at the Pumpkin Patch is returning this year after Jill DeChello of North Haven Magazine created the event in order to give families a safe seasonal activity to enjoy at the height of COVID in 2021. Because of the success, DeChello wanted to bring it back.

“There are just some events that are so well received that they become yearly activities. This was that kind of event,” said DeChello.

This year’s Night at the Pumpkin Patch will be held Friday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 23 at The Landing, 201 Clintonville Road, North Haven, from 5 to 8 p.m. The suggested donation of $5 per car benefits the North Haven Rotary Club.

Those driving through the Night at the Pumpkin Patch will not only see displays of pumpkins, but displays by The Daytime Gardeners, the Historical Society, the North Haven Memorial Library, and Diamond Zone. There will also be different characters, inflatables, and more.

“This year’s Pumpkin Patch is going to be a little different. I have three very special witches and a greeter that will definitely set the mood, rolling fog, and I can’t tell you any more—you need to come see for yourself,” said DeChello. “My original reason for doing the event was to promote kindness to each other and that goal for me will never change. The Rotary has the same goal. I enjoy working with them because they support so many of the non-profits in town. It’s a great group of people with the same goal of helping our town.”

For information, to donate, or to volunteer, contact Jill DeChello at 203-248-0076, 203-623-5457, or wincmarket@aol.com.

Vox Trunk or Treat: Oct. 30

Vox Church will host a Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 4 to 6 p.m. at its North Haven Campus. 161 Mill Road, North Haven. The event will feature candy, food, and games. For information, email mmordarski@voxchurch.org.

Fall Fun at the Library

The North Haven Memorial Library is accepting registrations for weekly Make-and-Take Craft Kits as well as Zoom gatherings, readings, and programs. Registration is underway. To register, visit www.northhavenlibrary.net or call 203-239-5803.

Scarecrows on the Green

The North Haven Garden Club is hosting its annual Scarecrows on the Green Contest. The scarecrows, which have been constructed by residents, local businesses, and organizations, will be on display through Sunday, Oct. 31.

“We want to expand it to get the whole community involved—we’re just trying to draw attention to it and see where it goes,” said Maria Yankura, co-chair of the event. “We also want the general public to come out and see the displays.”

The committee is currently working on an online voting page so community members can vote for their favorite display. Voting information will be posted on the North Haven Garden Club Facebook page. For information, email nhgcscarecrows@gmail.com.