October has just begun, and with that come the signs of Halloween. Vermont has many spooky events to offer this season for all to enjoy, including running, scaring, and screaming.
Halloween originated in Ireland, yet is now celebrated throughout many countries. In America, people celebrate by dressing up in costumes, throwing parties, going door-to-door for candy, and observing many other traditions.
Within Essex, hosted by Maple Street Park and Pool, the Halloween Hustle 5k Road Race opens the Halloween spirit into more than just fun and games, but physical activity. The race is intended to be run in costume, and if registered before October 10th, participants are guaranteed giveaways. The race will be run around Maple Street Park and the surrounding neighborhood within the 5K course. However, there is also a half-mile race for less experienced runners, for which pre-registration is not required. More information can be found here.
If you have ever been driving past Maple Street Park and Pool in late October, you may have noticed the wall of 750+ pumpkins. For the fifth year, Maple Street Pumpkin Palooza will run. However, it’s not just pumpkins that can make the trip; trick or treating throughout the park will be set up with decorated tents. Trick or Treating will take place on October 25th from 4 pm to 8 pm, and the pumpkin display will be up then and through Halloween Night. City of Essex Junction residents may purchase presale online tickets starting October 3rd, and the purchase is open to all on October 15th. For more ticket information, see here.
If you are interested in more spooks and scares, Nightmare Vermont may be what you’re looking for: an interactive, theatrical, and indoor Haunted House, all volunteer and charity-based, and winner of the award, Top Haunted House in Vermont. Showtimes: October 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, and November 1st, with 3 to 6 different times available depending on the day. Be warned, the last showing on November 1st, All Souls’ Day, is listed to be ‘Extra Bloody’. They recommend buying tickets a week in advance. “We are WAY TOO EXCITED to scare you once again in 2025,” says Nightmare Vermont on their website. If you are interested in volunteering at this event, the information can also be found on the website.
Essex has many activities going on to fulfill your spooky needs. Check out any of these activities and get to know your community.
