There’s a chill in the air, leaves are falling, and Halloween is just around the corner! With plenty of festive activities planned throughout Sanford and Springvale, there are lots of ways for families to get into the spirit of the season. The final days of October are packed with fall fun, and you won’t want to miss out on all the spooktacular happenings!
Festivities are already underway with the Annual Selfies with Scarecrows, hosted by Friends of Downtown Sanford. This community-wide event features creatively decorated scarecrows displayed at participating businesses throughout town. With nearly 30 businesses participating this year, there are plenty of scarecrows to discover! Residents are encouraged to explore the displays, snap a selfie, and share their photos on social media. The displays will remain up through October 31!
For families looking to satisfy their sweet tooth with some early trick-or-treating, there are several upcoming opportunities! On Friday, October 23, Sanford Parks & Recreation and SSYAA will host a Trunk or Treatfrom 6:30 – 8:00 PM at Pride Elementary School, along with games, prizes, and a photo booth inside Memorial Gym. On Thursday, October 29, Margaret Chase Smith School will host its Trick-or-Treatevent beginning at 5:30 PM, with designated times for each grade level: Pre-K and Kindergarten at 5:30 PM, grades 1 and 2 at 6:00 PM, and grades 3 and 4 at 6:30 PM. The fun continues on Friday, October 30, when Summer Commons welcomes trick-or-treaters from 6:00 – 7:00 PM. Finally, on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31, Sanford-Springvale VFW Post 9935 will host a Trunk or Treat from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at 1 Hutchinson Street.
The autumn excitement also takes a creative twist, with a couple of opportunities to get into the fall spirit and show off your artistic side! Springvale Public Library will host two October Paint Nights on Tuesday, October 27, and Wednesday, October 28, both starting at 5:30 PM. Registration is required through the library’s website. Pumpkin carving enthusiasts can also get involved in the Annual Marc Motors Pumpkin Carving Contest. Drop off your carved pumpkin masterpiece at 1744 Main St. on October 28 or 29, with the winner announced on October 30!
Looking for something a little spookier? Sanford Middle School’s JMG program is hosting Distorted Dreams at Gowen Park on Wednesday, October 28, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. This spooky Halloween experience is best suited for older children and teens.
Just when you thought the cauldron was running dry… there’s another batch of Halloween fun brewing around town! On Friday, October 30, the Springvale Public Library will host a Sensory Haunted House from 3:00 – 4:30 PM, designed for children ages 3-12. Later that evening, join Sanford Recreation for a Halloween movie night at Memorial Gym! The featured film, Hocus Pocus, begins at 6:00 PM, and the Sanderson Sisters are sure to keep the Halloween spirit brewing. Bring your blankets, chairs, favorite snacks, or treats, and get ready to cozy up for a festive free movie night!
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Halloween Day, Saturday, October 31, brings a special collaboration between the Sanford Arts Commission and Sanford Farmers’ Market! For one day only, these two community favorites are joining forces for a Halloween Art Walk & Farmers Marketat Central Park from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Visitors can enjoy all the familiar farmers market offerings, including fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, coffee, and more, while exploring a variety of original artwork, handmade goods, and creations from local artists and crafters. It’s the perfect opportunity to shop local, celebrate creativity, and get your Halloween off to a wicked good start!
Those looking to burn off calories before eating some of that Halloween candy can participate in the Annual Spooky Sprint 5K & Kids Fun Run at the Sanford-Springvale YMCA on October 31, with the Kids Fun Run beginning at 8:30 AM and the 5K starting at 9:00 AM. It’s a great way to get moving before an evening of Halloween treats! 1 Emile Levasseur Drive
With so many activities taking place throughout the community, there is something for just about everyone to enjoy this Halloween season! For more information about these events, along with even more happenings around town, visit the full community events calendar on the Sanford Springvale News website (SanfordSpringvaleNews.com) or check the sponsoring organizations’ websites and social media pages for additional details and updates.
And before we wrap up all the Halloween fun, let’s add one last treat to the bag: a Halloween safety reminder! As families head out for trick-or-treating on Halloween night, motorists are reminded to use extra caution, slow-down in residential neighborhoods, and keep an eye out for little ghosts and goblins crossing the streets. Families are encouraged to wear reflective clothing, carry flashlights, and use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible.
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