The weather was cool, but at least it wasn’t raining for the Halloween Bash held Saturday, after constant rain washed it out a week earlier and a snowstorm hit on Halloween.
The Western Springs Park District event was a chance for children to have a little extra Halloween fun and, for those who couldn’t trick or treat because of bad weather, get some candy.
“We have a candy station and teal pumpkin treats for those who have allergies,” said Barb Kartzmark, program coordinator for the park district. “We have lots of fun things to do today, a hay ride, bouncy house, decorating small pumpkins and building your own scarecrow,”
Laura Soentgen of Darien brought her 4-year-old.
“We have done Boo at the Zoo and did trick-or-treating in Hinsdale, and my son likes doing the Halloween events,” she said.
The scarecrow station was a popular event. Children could stuff a Halloween pumpkin faced bag with hay and then choose clothes and accessories. A park district volunteer dressed as an alien was on hand to help.
The park district provided hot apple cider to both kids and adults, and children could roast s’mores by the fire pit. River Grady, a fifth grader from Forest Hills school, roasted marshmallow with two friends.
“We thought this would be a fun thing to do today. We all went trick-or-treating this year and we like doing Halloween stuff,” River said.
Old Town Red Hots sold hot dogs and some local businesses provided games and treats. The bash also included music with songs such as “Thriller” and “Flying Purple People Eaters.”
“My daughter is having a blast running through the corn maze,” said Brooke McDermott of Western Springs, who came with 4-year-old Maddie.
McDermott said they had a busy day planned which started with her family participating in the Carrera del los Muertos, Day of the Dead race and would end with her and her husband attending the Dia de los Muertos ball in the evening.
Natalia Eichstaedt brought her son Freddy, 4, and his cousin Kyler.
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“It’s fun running through the corn maze and eating candy,” said Freddy, sharing his favorite is Nerds.
Kartzmark said they had gift baskets, provided by Jumpin G’s to award to the best scarecrow and the best costume.
Diane Dachota is a freelance reporter.