All Treats, No Tricks at Lincoln Park District’s Halloween Funfest

[October 30, 2023]    Superheroes, princesses, and Transformers mingled with dinosaurs, mermaids, and witches while roaming the courts of the Lincoln Park District on Thursday night, all in fun.

An early Halloween was in full swing as the tiny fantastical creatures tried their hand at various games set up by over 20 local businesses and organizations. Everyone was a winner as costumed children were presented with a choice of candy from brimming bowls after attempting challenges such as ring toss, pumpkin bowling, or chucking toilet paper rolls through a “witches’ pot” that bore strong resemblance to a toilet seat cover. There were also play areas, photo ops, and concessions, plus a booth for choosing temporary tattoos and one to guess the number of candy corn in the jar.

Allison Baker, Lincoln Park District Program Coordinator, said the Halloween Funfest is her favorite event of the year to plan. “I like seeing the little kids,” she said. “They get so creative! And it’s great to have all the local businesses here. Without them we would not be able to have it. It’s a safe way to Trick or Treat plus get the community together. It’s a real team effort.”

Upon arrival, families were greeted by Park District staff and given goody bags to collect their candy prizes. Many parents had also caught the Halloween spirit and joined their kids in costume. Unfortunately, the outdoor haunted trail that was introduced last year had to be canceled due to the rainy weather. The wet weather did not keep many families at home, however, and by the halfway point, some tables were calling for candy reinforcements. The official count at the end of the night was 807 happy Trick-or-Treaters and parents.

[Stephanie Hall]