Pumpkin carving, picking out costumes, and parents clearing the kitchen table for a pile of candy are just a few ways some families prepare for Halloween.
The preparation leads to a fun night for the children traveling door-to-door in their neighborhood for candy.
But Voorhees is celebrating Halloween in a different way.
The Voorhees Township Committee is hosting the 7th annual Halloween in the Park on Sunday, Oct. 28, at John Connolly Park from 1 to 4 p.m.
Parents and children will get the chance to enjoy more than walking from door-to-door for the classic trick-or-treating adventures. A hayride in the park, pumpkin picking and decorating, a Halloween-themed magic show, and a balloon artist are only a few activities to name.
Voorhees Director of Special Events Mike Marchitto wants to make sure the event is a place for parents or guardians and children to enjoy celebrating Halloween safely.
“It’s a safe place to trick or treat,” Marchitto said.
Last year, rides were introduced as a part of the Halloween celebration. A blowup castle and a moon bounce are new additions to the ride section of the event.
The main goal for a successful night is not only for the children and families to have fun but mainly, to make sure everyone is safe for Halloween, Marchitto said.
The Voorhees Police Department will be at the event providing families with important trick-or-treating safety tips and demonstrations. Children will also have the opportunity to have their picture taken for a Voorhees police kids identification card.
As for the pumpkins, there will be plenty to go around. According to Marchitto, the Voorhees Business Association is in the process of gathering more pumpkins for the event. Approximately 1,500 pumpkins will be waiting for the children to pick, decorate and take home, however, pumpkins are limited to one per child, Marchitto said.
Municipal employees have also put together a Halloween mural and a graveyard scene that will be placed in the park for the night.
“We have a lot of help from the township employees,” said Marchitto. “It’s really a group effort.”
Children will also get a chance to be in the Halloween parade. Each child will line up, walk around the park, and gather on the stage to show off their costumes.
Costumes are highly recommended for both parents and children, Marchitto said.
“It’s a good all around community event for people to get together. Especially when the economy is quiet. It’s a place for families to go for a fun-filled day,” Marchitto said.
Halloween in the Park is a free event. There is no cost for the hayride, pumpkin picking or any other of the activities at the event, but the price for food may vary. Don’t worry the candy is free.
For more information, visit www.voorheesnj.com.
