The fall season has officially begun, and this week, communities in the Geist area are celebrating Halloween and the changing of the leaves with several events.
In Lawrence, the city and parks department are gearing up for another annual Lawrence Fall Festival, an event that has been a staple in the community for more than three decades.
“Well, I’ve been with the parks department since 1984, and it’s been happening since at least then,” said Lawrence Parks Director Eric Martin, who became director in 1987.
The festival will take place in Lawrence Community Park, 5301 N. Franklin Rd., and will begin with costume registration at 5 p.m.
Martin said the biggest draw for Lawrence residents is the costume contest, judged by parks department staff and other city officials.
“We have different categories and three different judging categories,” he said. “Most original, most scary and best impression.”
The contest is open to all kids, and categories are split into ages infant to 3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-10, 11-2 and 13 and older. After all participants have been judged, which happens at 6:30 p.m., the crowd will choose an overall winner for the evening.
Guests also can enjoy free food, provided by the Lawrence Senior Activities group.
“They will give out chili, hot dogs and drinks while supplies last,” said Martin, adding that the group also hands out candy to all children in costume.
The Lawrence Fall Festival lasts until approximately 7:30 p.m. Martin said nearly 300 attend each year, and approximately 75 to 100 kids take part in the costume contest.
“The festival, because it’s at the park, is a safe, Saturday event for kids and families to participate in,” Martin said. “Adults can dress up, too, and everyone is welcome.”
The City of Fishers’ Boo Bash will return for another year from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at city hall’s central green at 1 Municipal Dr.
Boo Bash will host its annual trick-or-treating in the Halloween Village with approximately 60 vendors, and just before the main event, there will be a non-sensory hour from 5 to 6 p.m., an effort that might benefit children with autism or special needs.
The event’s costume contest also will see a change as it is being moved to social media. Voting began Oct. 23, and winners will be announced at Boo Bash. The top five photos with the most likes will win. Those interested can submit photos by visiting fishers.in.us/BooBash
Approximately 7,000 people attended last year’s Boo Bash.
MORE FALL FUN
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
What: Arts for Lawrence and Ballet Folklorico Mosaicos will partner to present its Day of the Dead performance and festival.
When: Festival is from 4 to 6 p.m. Ballet Folkorico Mosaicos performance begins at 6 p.m.
Where: 8920 Otis Ave., Lawrence
More: artsforlawrence.org
TREATS ON MAIN
What: Fortville Main Street will present Treats on Main, a trick-or-treating event at businesses along Fortville’s Main Street.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 28.
Where: Main Street, downtown Fortville
ZOMBIE PROM
What: Ten West Center for the Arts will again host its Zombie Prom for teens.
When: Oct. 28
Where: Ten West Center for the Arts, 10 W. Church St., Fortville
More: tenwestcenter.org
TRUNK-OR-TREAT
What: The City of McCordsville is inviting its residents to take part in its annual trunk-or-treat event.
When: Noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 28
Where: McCordsville Town Hall, 6280 W. 800 N., McCordsville
