Hello, Halloween!
Pumpkins on display in Woodstock Village. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Late October is bringing that fresh, crisp cold in the air, and you know what that includes: Halloween. And Woodstock will be celebrating.
For a new addition: The East End Park in Woodstock, Vermont, will be getting into the Halloween spirit this weekend on Saturday, Oct. 30, from 1-3 p.m. It’s also the grand opening of the park’s improved slide and new rope climb, meaning lots of enjoyment awaits the families at this park, which has become a favorite place for many after it opened last year. As an announcement says, “Dress in your Halloween costume and come on down for apple cider, doughnuts and fun!” (Weather dependent.) If you bike to the event, the new bike racks provide an easy parking option.
There are several other ways to start Halloween early, too. In South Woodstock, a community trick-or-treat, hay ride, and haunted forest will take place on Saturday from 4-6 p.m. Parking is at the South Woodstock Fire Station, where trick-or-treat maps will be available. The event is geared toward children under 10, but as the announcement said, all are welcome.
The community is also invited to a Halloween event at Artistree in nearby Pomfret, where “Spooktacular FUN” is going from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The family event includes a costume parade, pumpkin carving, decorating, scavenger hunt, and, of course, some tasty treats to enjoy.
As for the big day itself, on Sunday, Oct. 31, a favorite local Halloween tradition is returning: trick-or-treating along High Street, Maple Street and Golf Avenue, from 5-8 p.m. After being cancelled last year, all three of those streets in Woodstock Village will be closed off for trick-or-treaters for that three-hour span.
Here’s to hoping many people here and everywhere get to enjoy Halloween festivities and the sense of community they bring. Let’s use every interaction this weekend as a way to uplift other people, and begin the cold season on a note of togetherness and joy.
— Gareth Henderson
