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Community Corner

Young Life in an Old Town: Where to Find Halloween Fun

A sampling of events that are full of tricks and treats for families and children.

Wouldn’t it be nice for your kids to wear their Halloween costume all weekend long? There’s a lot going on for families and kids this weekend as we count down to the big night!

Dog Halloween Contest

It wouldn’t be Old Town without an event for our furry friends. will host the event on Oct. 27 at 6 pm. There is a $10 registration fee for participants and a suggested $10 donation for non-participants. Yes, I will admit to entering our sweet Cocker Spaniel in a costume contest once upon a time and then using the picture on our holiday card.

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Children’s Halloween Costume Contest at

If your child has the most original costume in town you may want to enter this local children’s boutique annual competition. Stop in anytime through Oct. 31 between 11 a.m.-5 p.m. to enter. Shoppers will vote for their favorite costume from Nov. 3 through Nov. 13. The winner will be announced Nov. 16. The grand prize is a $100 gift card!

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Halloween Story Times at

Local author Elizabeth Brokamp will read her new picture book Picky Little Witch on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. 

On Oct. 31 from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Adam Gidiwitz, author of A Tale Dark and Grim, will tell spooky stories with kids ages 8-12 to get them in the mood for trick or treating. An RSVP is required.

Del Ray Halloween Parade

It wouldn’t be Halloween without on Sunday, Oct. 30! The parade begins at 2 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Avenue (south of E. Bellefonte) and continues down to the Mount Vernon Recreational Center play fields at Mt. Vernon and Commonwealth avenues. Children, pets and strollers in costumes are invited to march and show off their finest and scariest Halloween garb.

Trick or Treat With the Boutiques

Participating Old Town Boutiques will have treats on hand for the kids during store hours on Oct. 29. Examples of the fun things happening at the boutiques that day include creating spooky masks at from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. and the opportunity to participate in a “Pumpkin Pop” and enjoy cider and cookies at the

Halloween cupcake decorating at the Butcher’s Block

On Oct. 30, children and their parents will decorate “scary” cupcakes with Brabo Pastry Chef Joanne Decoux. Admission is $15 per one adult and one child and $8 per additional child. The admission fee includes a treat bag, cupcake and a glass of wine for mom or dad. Yes, please!

Treat Station at Virtue Feed and Grain

On Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., youngsters can enjoy a treat station at in Wales Alley. Alcoholic beverages and treats for the older set will be available at a benefit for Chefs as Parents.

Halloween Celebrations at the Local Recreation Centers

Oct. 28 from 3:30 p.m.-5:45 p.m. - Halloween fun, music, and games at the Cora Kelly Recreation Center.  Admission is free to city residents.

Oct. 28 from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. - OctoberFest at . There will be face painting, scary movies, a haunted house, and more. There is a small fee for a tour of the haunted house and the rest of the celebration is free to city residents.

Oct. 31 6-9 p.m. Chiller Nightmare on Madison Street. Calling all Monsters, Ghosts and Goblins to take a walk through the "Haunted Alley" on Madison Street and participate in Halloween activities for great family fun at the Free to city residents.

Whether you choose to participate in an organized event or “just” trick or treating on your block, be safe and enjoy the day!

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