Approximately 500 people attended the Spooktacular Halloween Party on Oct. 21 in Norridge on a banner Friday late afternoon with blue skies and balmy temperatures.
“Holding the event at the park allows the families to enjoy the event in a beautiful fall setting surrounded by the many colors of fall,” said Annemarie Flaherty, executive director of the Norridge Park District, at the main park at 4631 N. Overhill Ave.
Flaherty said the event format was modified to incorporate outdoor activities, trick or treat stations, a pumpkin patch, games, large inflatables, disc jockey entertainment and more.
“Local business and community partners participate as trick or treat stations and offer a game or activity for the children to enjoy,” Flaherty said.
The previous two years, the Norridge Park District held a Trunk or Treat event using Divine Savior Church’s parking lot.
“This year, we brought the event to our main park for everyone to enjoy and allow for the event to expand,” Flaherty said.
Attending the paid event were Norridge Village President Daniel Tannhauser and Norridge Chief of Police Brian Goss.
“Couldn’t beat the weather,” Tannhauser said of the pleasant day.
Goss said, “I love this event, it…gets everybody together.”
The pumpkin patch was placed on the east end of the park. Children could pick pumpkins and take photos.
Giuseppe “Joe” Zerillo, Harwood Heights village trustee, donated 500 pumpkins through his company, Zerillo Realty. They were distributed for free at the Halloween event in Norridge and also at a Harwood Heights village community party on Saturday.
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Zerillo said that nearly 400 complimentary taffy apples were given away at a Trunk or Treat event Friday at Pennoyer School in Norridge.
“We love to give back to our community,” Zerillo said.
Zerillo has been driving to the Wisconsin border each year to pick up the pumpkins to subsequently donate.
“Why are Norridge and Harwood Heights great places to raise a family? Look at the awesome park we have here,” Zerillo said. “Look at the rec center we did in Harwood Heights.”
Alan Majewski, 4, of Norridge, came dressed as Spider Man in the company of his mother Marta Majewski and sibling Alex, 8.
“He really loves Spider Man. He’s excited,” Marta Majewski said.”We like to spend time with friends and have fun.”
Ellie Lezon, 2, of Norridge, picked her pumpkin while visiting the patch in the company of family.
“It’s a great event for the kids to come out and have fun,” said Ellie’s mother Nicole Lezon.
Cory Leman of Norridge accompanied children Zoe, 5, a kindergartner, and Ella, 3, to the pumpkin patch.
“I love that the town puts this on,” Cory Leman said.
