The Halloween Spirit was alive at North Park this season! Unfortunately, the Eddie Biondo Fall Fest Parade and Pumpkin Fest had to be cancelled this year. Our staff worked diligently to create new fall events that could be adapted to social distancing and gathering guidelines.
During October, we had a busy month introducing these events to the community. Two movie nights were held at North Park where we showed some Halloween favorites like Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown. Participant groups sat in circles that were spaced 10 feet apart from each other. We even had a bonfire where participants could make their own s’mores.
Teams drove around Franklin Park gathering clues during the Pumpkin Hunt. The first three cars to finish the drive-around scavenger hunt won a large pumpkin prize. Stay tuned, this might turn into an annual event!
Residents also drove by North Park to pick-up pumpkins for decorating at home. A special thank you to D84’s PTA for providing decorating kits. We encourage you to share photos of your pumpkins with us using #FPPumpkins.
Our Halloween event moved outdoors this year where families and local businesses decorated tables for Trick-or-Treating. We were fortunate with the weather and many residents and families enjoyed walking to different tables to receive candy.
Through the duration of the event, approximately 300 people came to celebrate Halloween. Staggered start times were implemented for Trick-or-Treaters which helped with social distancing and traffic control.
We had 30 tables participate which consisted of residents, Park District teams and local businesses or organizations. Tables were spaced 30 feet apart along North Park’s walking path. Masks were required and children used tongs to grab candy from the tables.
We will be collecting feedback from participants because we are always looking to improve our services. The Park District of Franklin Park appreciates our residents embracing these adapted event ideas!
