HOPE — Before haunted houses became fundraisers and slasher movies became blockbusters, Halloween was once observed with spooky stories told by the hearths of many homes.
After securing two professional story tellers, the town of Hope plans to revive those scary nights of Halloween Past during Saturday’s “Goodies, Goblins and Ghost Stories.”
“Storytelling is an old art form that predates everything we now associate with Halloween,” Hope Branch Library manager Dave Miller said. “While not strictly a Bartholomew County Library event, we’ve hired the story-tellers because the stories promote literacy and a love for language.”
The annual event will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday on the Hope Town Square.
While primarily for children sixth grade and younger, all ages are welcome to attend, Miller said.
Known to draw more than 200 people, Miller said that “Goodies, Goblins and Ghost Stories” has grown into a community Halloween festival.
For example, there will be a costume parade, trunk-or-treat on the square’s north side, hayrides, a campfire and even a pumpkin-painting station, Miller says.
In the Yellow Trail Museum on the square’s northwest side, exhibits will come to life during its Night at the Museum, while Main Street of Hope will provide a straw maze and games.
Willow Leaves, located off Jackson Street on the north side of the square, will be offering apple cider, caramel corn and candy.
Children are encouraged to attend the free event in costume.
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What: Costume parade, trunk-or-treating, hayrides, a campfire, pumpkin-painting station and more.
When/where: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Hope Town Square.
Cost: Free.
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