MOUNT VERNON — The City of Mount Vernon will bring back a local tradition this spooky season. Residents and visitors of all ages are invited for a spooktacular Halloween celebration on Saturday, Oct. 31.
The afternoon of tricks, treats, and seasonal fun begins in Ariel-Foundation Park at the Schnormeier Event Center at 2 p.m. with a free family screening of the bewitching fall favorite, “Hocus Pocus.”
Doors open at 1:30 p.m. so guests can settle in and grab fresh popcorn. Residents are encouraged to bring cozy blankets, chairs, and costumes.
As the movie wraps up around 3:40 p.m., the celebration moves to Public Square for an afternoon of fall community fun with the return of the Halloween Costume Parade.
“This is something we decided to bring back to the city from a tradition that took place not so long ago,” said Mayor Matt Starr. “It’s another wonderful opportunity for families to gather, enjoy downtown, and celebrate a safe, festive evening together.”
Families are encouraged to gather on Public Square for some family friendly fun. Music will be playing at 4 p.m. while everyone gathers for Scare on the Square.
Staging for the community costume parade starts at 4:25 p.m. to the left of the Grand Hotel, where kids and families can show off their creative outfits and line up for the festive loop around the square.
Starr will officially kick off the parade at 4:30 p.m.
Headless Horseman kicks off trick-or-treating
Following the Scare on the Square, Starr will signal the start of trick-or-treating, featured alongside a special appearance by a legendary storybook favorite, a Headless Horseman, riding down East High Street.
Citywide Trick-or-Treat will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. across Mount Vernon as porch lights glow across town.
To ensure a safe environment for the city’s little ghosts, goblins, and trick-or-treaters of all kinds, road closures will begin at 4 p.m. around Public Square and along East High Street. These closures will remain in place until 7 p.m. with the exception of Public Square, which will reopen around 5 p.m.
Drivers are encouraged to use extra caution throughout the evening as families enjoy Trick-or-Treat.
This community tradition is presented in partnership with Batteries Unlimited, Hidden Valley Stables, Kokosing Valley Arts Alliance, and the Mount Vernon Players.