NORTH VERNON — The Annual Sweet Street celebration will highlight a week of Jennings County Halloween celebrations that will also include the Boyd Pumpkin Display, the Jennings County Public Library’s (JCPL) Haunted Halloween and the North Vernon Halloween Parade.
Sponsored by the First Christian Church in North Vernon, Sweet Street began in 1997 as a safe alternative to trick or treating for children in sixth grade and younger. The event continues to grow, attracting as many as 5,000 children and their parents each year.
“This is our gift to the community,” said the First Christian Church Youth Director Angee Leeds who helps organize Sweet Street.
The family event is free.
Sweet Street fun begins at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31 in the city parking lot behind the First Christian Church in downtown North Vernon. Sweet Street will end at 7:30 p.m.
Kids can play games, jump in bouncy houses and receive candy from 20 booths sponsored by the church as well as civic groups and businesses.
Adult participants will be eligible to receive door prizes and everyone will be served free hot dogs, drinks and popcorn.
Businesses, churches and civic organizations are welcome to join the fun by registering a booth prior to the event.
For more information Sweet Street contact Angee Leeds at 812-346-3177 or [email protected].
Prior to the fun at Sweet Street, the final week of Jennings County Halloween events will begin on Oct. 21 when Wesley and Melody Boyd will light more than 300 pumpkins in their front yard. The drive past the Boyd Pumpkin Display has become an annual Halloween tradition for hundreds of motorists. The huge display of intricately carved and lit pumpkins will be glowing beginning at dusk and stay lit until 10 p.m. The display is located at 6265 E. County Road 920N outside of North Vernon.
The Jennings County Public Library will host a spooky night of Halloween family fun called the Haunted Library on Friday, Oct. 27 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the library at in North Vernon. The Haunted Library event will include a costume contest for all ages, refreshments and prizes. At the end of the evening, one librarian will be turned into a mummy by being wrapped in toilet paper.
The third annual North Vernon Halloween Parade will take place at 5 p.m. Oct. 31 as part of Sweet Street.
“Adults, kids and well-behaved pets are all invited,” said parade organizer Sue Fenton, “Just get your favorite costume and have some fun. We had well over 200 people last year and the pets that came just made it wonderful fun.”
The walking parade will begin at the North Vernon Police Station and will end at the Sweet Street behind the First Christian Church.
