Leaves spiraled through the air and pale streaks of October sunlight illuminated the eager faces of young trick-or-treaters in downtown Valparaiso on Friday afternoon. Dressed in imaginative and magical costumes, children and their parents trick-or-treated at local businesses for the annual Halloween celebration.
Daring ninjas, lovely princesses, hungry zombies, regal Count Draculas and even a few Darth Vaders flooded Lincolnway and Central Park Plaza despite the chilly temperatures. Musicians entertained the crowd from the amphitheater stage. Business on the outskirts of downtown set up booths and table in the park, and Valpo firefighters and police attended to represent the city and take part in the festivities.
Local businesses embraced the event as a way to connect with the community for an evening of family friendly fun. The Old Jail House Museum put on kid friendly events like pin-the-stem-on-the-pumpkin and mask making, made delightfully spooky by the historic location. The street corner of Old World Market became the temporary home to a donkey that dolefully permitted himself to be petted by every curious child who walked by. Blackbird Café distributed cups of their excellent brewed coffee and hot chocolate, which proved a popular method of combatting the October chill.
Thanks to the hard work of the city and local businesses, this year’s downtown trick-or-treating was a great success, bringing the community together for an enjoyable evening of costumes and candy.
Follow this link for the complete photo gallery from the event!!!