Oh boy! Halloween is just around the corner, and there are some great things to do for everyone in our little town of Marshall, Illinois. While Halloween is so much fun for the kids, adults and even the pets can get into the “spirit” (pun intended). Halloween marks the time of year when the seasons are experiencing significant changes. Many people believed that at this time of year, the boundary between the living world and the next life became extremely thin, meaning we would be more easily able to connect with the dead. This is how Halloween became about ghosts and other things related to haunting.
Christians have always celebrated All Saints’ Day on November 1, meaning the night before became known as All Hallows’ Eve, or Halloween. So, on October 31, we celebrate this event, which has both Christian and Pagan roots.
In Marshall, we have some great fun things planned. Here are some Halloween happenings to help you get your scare on:
Halloween Trunk or Treat:
Saturday, October 28: This one has something for everyone. From 3:30 pm to 5 pm, come down to the Courthouse Square for Trunk or Treat. Lots of goodies will be offered to the kiddies in a safe and fun environment.
During the Trunk or Treat event, stop over to the Marshall Church of the Nazarene between 3:30 and 5 pm. They will give away hot dogs and water for as long as supplies last. If you need a little warming up, head over to Martin Family Insurance for a cup of hot chocolate on the house!
At 4 pm, at the Southeast corner of the Courthouse lawn, one of the most fun events of the whole Halloween weekend – the pet costume contest – will happen. Who doesn’t love a pet wriggling with annoyed patience in their funny costume? Don’t miss this part of the day’s festivities. Awards will be given to the scariest, funniest, and most original. Albright Veterinary Services sponsors the awards.
At 5 pm, the Halloween Frolic and Costume Judging will begin at the Gazebo. Bring your best costume to the competition and let the most unique and craziest ones win. This part of the event is sponsored by the City of Marshall and the Marshall Chamber of Commerce.
City-Wide Trick or Treat:
The best and safest way to have the kids and the whole family enjoy trick-or-treating is to do it as a group. On October 31, Halloween night, Marshall will be enjoying a city-wide trick-or-treat event. Bring the kids downtown from 6 pm to 8 pm, and let’s share this fun as a community.
Boo Buckets are back at McDonalds:
Need something to collect all the candy efficiently? McDonald’s has your back. They have four new designs this year, so get your favorite (or all of them). They include a Monster, a Skeleton, the Mummy, and a Vampire. Get over there soon, as there is a limited supply.
Something different and fun for the whole family:
HRC and Central Stage Electric and Plumbing are sponsoring a different event that everyone can participate in: Behind the Mask Bingo Extravaganza. Come to Harlan Hall at 603 Locust Street, Marshall, on Thursday, October 28, and start the Halloween weekend with a bang. Doors open at 5:30 pm, and the bingo games begin at 6 pm. Adults pay $20, and their games are included. If you bring the kids, children under 18, they play for free with each paying adult. Adult beverages will also be offered for purchase by Moe’s Liquor. There will be other refreshments for sale, raffles, and prizes. Wear your costume and get a free raffle ticket. Dr. Marilyn Frey will be sponsoring a children’s prize table, too.
Something for those who love the gory stuff:
If you enjoy being scared out of your mind, head over to Paris, Illinois, any weekend in October for the Halls of Madness. This outdoor attraction is also known as the Halls of Madness Slaughter Farm, so dress for outdoor weather and prepare to be truly frightened. Hours are Friday and Saturday from 7 pm to midnight and Sunday from 7 pm to 9 pm.
Details are on their website at https://www.hallsofmadness.com. Word of warning: this is not for the faint of heart.
Whatever you do this Halloween, be safe and have fun. Be creative with your costumes, let your freak flag fly, and… don’t eat all the candy in one sitting.
