Linden Square participating businesses have created their own trick-or-treating tradition in Wilmette, each year inviting area families to come out to enjoy a safe, local street celebration the weekend before Halloween.
The event is organized by the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce, with participation from Linden Square businesses and this year’s sponsors — North Shore Music and Studio North Academy of the Performing Arts.
Alejandro Urzagaste, owner of North Shore Music, says the Linden Square Pumpkin Walk is a community oriented event that has become an important tradition for well over 10 years.
“We’ve always had enthusiastic participation from our area businesses, and we enjoy coming together to give something back to the community each year for Halloween,” Urzagaste said.
The pumpkin walk took place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., where up and down, 4th Street and Linden Avenue families enjoyed festive activities; early costumed trick-or-treating, face painting, balloon animals, a photo booth, petting zoo, pop-up magic show and musical entertainment.
Participating businesses included; Alchemy Coffee House, Dental Studio of Wilmette, Eggemeyer & Graham Orthodontics, Loft 415, Music Theater Works, Nathan Sulack State Farm Insurance, North Shore Associates in GYN/OB, Personal Fitness Training, Ltd., Secure Futures, Ltd., Shawnee Services Center, Smilin Dental, SNAP, Wilmette Dental — Robert Madrigal, DDS, Vanity Nail and others.
“We have many new families who have moved into the area, so it gives everybody a chance to come out to socialize and celebrate together,” Urzagaste said.
Jennifer Herren, executive director of the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce, says she’s been so impressed by the commitment of the Linden Square business owners since taking on her new executive director position at the Chamber.
“I received more calls on this event than on any other, there has been a lot of energy and interest, with businesses looking to participate,” Herren said.
Barbi Boren of Wilmette attended Saturday with family.
“We just love to see everybody dressed up, and this neighborhood event really brings us all together in support of local businesses,” Boren said.
Max Leuter says he grew up in Wilmette and now enjoys bringing his son to participate in the Linden Square Pumpkin Walk.
“Our main goal today is just to provide families with the chance to have a really good time,” Herren said.
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
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