Halloween events in Reynoldsburg and Pickerington
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Messenger photo by Linda Dillman |
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Beware of scary beings at Halloween! |
Ghosts, goblins and ghouls can celebrate Halloween in a safe, family friendly atmosphere with events in Reynoldsburg and Pickerington.
Both communities will hold Beggars Night on Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m. In addition, both cities feature activities the whole family can enjoy, from parties to a special daytime treat filled adventure for younger kids.
Reynoldsburg
Reynoldsburg’s Community Halloween Party takes place Oct. 22 from 6-9 p.m. in Kennedy Park. It is sponsored by the Reynoldsburg Community Association (RCA) and the resident only event features free donuts, hot dogs, and hot chocolate.
Everyone is encouraged to come in costume, even parents, said organizer and “Head Witch” Danielle Livelsberger.
“We provide the games (bean bag toss, fishing pond, pick a lollipop) and activities (decorate a pumpkin, hay ride, fortune teller, and ghastly gazebo) free of charge to Reynoldsburg residents and St. Pius students,” said Livelsberger. “This is why we require attendees to register. At registration, children are given treat bags that contain candy and tickets to spend on the free games in which they will win prizes.”
Visitors and Community Activities Bureau Executive Director Mary Hudson said, “Truro Township sets up a bonfire. We always get a big turnout—we’re expecting around 2,000 people this year—and a lot of adults dress up in costumes, too.”
According to Livelsberger, about 60 volunteers staff the event. She said RCA’s mission is to improve the community by sponsoring family based activities that improve the lives of citizens and she feels the community party fulfills that goal.
Providing food and entertainment for 2,000 people is costly and vendors, businesses, organizations and individuals are needed to help out by donating food, prizes, hay or money.
“The Halloween party is a fun filled night of family games and events,” said Livelsberger. “I went when I was young and I took my child when she was younger. It has been celebrated for generations. I have had a lot of families tell me it is their official Halloween kickoff.”
Pickerington
Olde Pickerington Village will be decked out on Oct. 27 in spooky attire for the city’s annual Haunted Village event from 6-8 p.m. The free, family oriented affair features ghost tours, storytelling, and hayrides. Children can beg for treats from Olde Village businesses.
Don Ross, city recreation coordinator, said this is the sixth annual Haunted Village. Previously, the event featured a hot dog roast and a hayride.
“We added the ghost tours and moved it to Columbus Street in 2006,” said Ross. “We have had crowds estimated between 3,000 to 4,000 each of the past five years.”
Venues and activities are added to the festivities and this year a haunted house is located at Beckham’s Photography, a haunted museum is in the museum basement, there is a storyteller for young kids and a pumpkin contest. The party is not limited to residents and is considered a countywide activity.
There is a Haunted Garden on Columbus Street tucked between two historical buildings. It features music, screams, fog, headstones, ghosts (re-enactors and constructed), various witches and goblins. Ghost tours cover several blocks off of Columbus Street—which is closed from Cross Street to Center Street. The five tour stops are at the same locations where various ghostly incidents occurred.
“One unique aspect of the event is the city partners with the Lions Club, historical society, the Olde Village merchants, Beckham’s Photography and the Rock Factory to put on and staff it (haunted village),” said Ross. “Even though it lasts just over two hours, we require over 60 volunteers to make it happen.”
Children ages 2-5 accompanied by an adult can wear their costume and Trick or Treat on Oct. 31 throughout Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Road, from 1:30—2:30 p.m. Between 500-750 kids and their parents are expected to attend. In addition to the trick or treating inside City Hall, police and fire vehicles will be available for inspection in the front parking lot.
For information call the Pickerington recreation department at (614) 833-2211.