Brody Gunn paints his pumpkin during the New Pal Harvest Fest last year. This year’s event is this Saturday.
Daily Reporter file photo
HANCOCK COUNTY – Fall festivals abound in all corners of Hancock County this month, with family favorites coming up this weekend and lasting through Oct. 31.
City parks departments and community business groups are planning events to attract hundreds of costumed community members.
Here’s a guide to each community’s free events.
-The New Pal Harvest Fest returns noon to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 19 in downtown New Palestine. It features trunk or treat, chili tasting, and Highland cows for photos and petting. New this year is Touch a Tractor, and the Scarecrow Stroll returns featuring displays made by local businesses and families. Hearts Ablaze cloggers perform at 1:30 p.m., a cake walk will have people winning homemade goodies.
Come dressed in a Halloween costume for family fun, including pumpkin decorating, building crafts and a straw pile to climb through at 11 E. Main St., New Palestine.
“This event is free to all and there will be something for everyone and brings out the fun in everyone,” said Julie Lucas of New Palestine Main Street. “Our organization is fortunate to have a great committee that works hard to make Harvest Fest bigger and better each year, thanks to the event coordinator Diana Boss.”
– The Cumberland Police Department invites the community to Cumberland Trail & Treat this Saturday.
The event is 3-5 p.m. Oct. 19 at Lions Park along the Buck Creek Trail, 301 N. Buck Creek Road, Indianapolis. The all-ages event also welcomes dogs. Local businesses, organizations and community members will hand out treats to those out for a stroll.
New this year is an online costume contest, where participants submit a photo on social media.
“We’re thrilled to bring this event back for another year. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the season,” said Suzanne Woodland, Cumberland police chief, in a press release.
Creativity will be on full display as spot hosts compete for the title of “Best Decorated Spot,” with the winner earning recognition and community bragging rights.
“This event has become a beloved tradition in Cumberland, and we’re excited to see everyone in their costumes, enjoying the festive atmosphere,” added Victoria Musser, Cumberland’s community development project coordinator.
For more, visit town.cumberland.in.us/residents/community_events/trail_treat.php
-On the far east side of the county, Pumpkins and Peddlers in Shirley celebrates the fall season in the community on the Hancock/Henry line.
The event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 19 at Shirley Park and features food, entertainment, vendors, pumpkin decorating, a chili cook-off and more.
Not enough fall fun? Head back to Shirley Oct. 30 for the community’s annual costume party. Doughnuts and apple cider will be at the Shelter House starting at 7 p.m., and there will be prizes for the best costumes. Visit facebook.com/shirleyindiana for updates.
-In Greenfield, the city’s parks department is hosting events in local greenspaces while downtown merchants are preparing for trick or treaters as well.
Rover’s Howl-O-Ween is 2-4 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 19 at Beckenholdt Park, 2770 N. Franklin St., Greenfield. The event includes a costume contest, dog park open house and ribbon-cutting of Baker’s Rainbow Bridge.
Trunk or Treat hosted by Greenfield Parks and Recreation will be 6-8 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Hancock County Fairgrounds, 620 Apple St., Greenfield. Local businesses and organizations that want to sign up as vendors can do so now by emailing [email protected].
In the downtown district, Tricks on Main brings families together for trick or treating with local downtown businesses in Greenfield. Set for 5-7 p.m. Oct. 25, the event along Main Street and the downtown Living Alley will conclude with a free movie of “Frankenweenie” at 7:30 p.m. the H.J. Ricks Centre for the Arts. Enjoy free popcorn and water from the local Kiwanis Club. For updates, visit facebook.com/GreenfieldMainStreet.
But fall fun is not just for kids. Boos & Brews is an adults-only event is from 4-10 p.m. Oct. 26 in downtown Greenfield. Drink and dine in the district starting at 4, and at 8 p.m. enjoy a beer garden and music by the Flying Toasters. Artisan craft vendors, live T-shirt printing and a costume contest will be on site at the Living Alley for the crowd ages 21 and older. Visit greenfieldmainstreet.org/events for $15 tickets.
-The communities of Fortville and McCordsville are also planning fall festivities.
Treats on Main and the FARM Community Fair is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26 in downtown Fortville. Come for a fall festival for the entire family, including free treats and a community resource fair with vendor booths and food trucks. The event is hosted by the Fortville Area Resource Mission.
That same weekend, McCordsville’s Trunk or Treat is 4-6 p.m. Oct. 27 at Outlook Christian Church, 6531 N. 600 W., McCordsville.
