Halloween is a BLAST in our area. Back when I was a kid, you trick-or-treated on Halloween (and maybe got into some mischief the night before). Now there are giant townwide events leading up to Halloween that ensure your kids will get more than one wear out of their darn costumes!

Here are some local events that will will be tons of fun for the whole family.

CRANFORD SCARECROW STROLL

October 22 through Nov. 1

Downtown Cranford

Is there anything more charming than a downtown filled with handmade scarecrows wearing their own costumes?? Stroll the streets of Cranford and ogle the dozens of impressive creations–and don’t forget to vote for your favorites! Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories. Ballots are mailed to Cranford homes and are also available at the Cranford Library and Community Center (non-residents can vote!).

WILLIAMS NURSERY COSTUME CONTEST

Saturday, October 24; 2:00 pm

524 Springfield Ave., Westfield

It’s the 23rd annual Costume Contest at Williams, with prizes awarded for kids 5 and under, 6-12 years old, and adults (age disclosure not required–ha!). This will mark the last weekend of the season for hayrides and pumpkin picking at Williams as well.

CRANFORD HALLOWEEN PARADE

Sunday, October 25; 1:00 pm

Cranford Community Center Parking Lot

Kids and adults of all ages will partake in a costume parade at 2:00 pm, with prizes awarded to multiple age groups and categories (including PETS, so don’t forget Fido’s costume!). At 2:30 pm head over to the town Gazebo behind the Fire Department for the “Pumpkin Chunkin.”

WESTFIELD TRICK-OR-TREATING & COSTUME PARADE

Sunday, October 25; 12:00 pm

Downtown Westfield

Kids can trick-or-treat throughout downtown Westfield from noon to 2 pm–it’s always fun to great the friendly shop owners in costume! At 2:15 pm the Costume Parade will commence on Quimby Street (participants should gather at 2 pm). Sponsored by the Westfield Optimist Club, the parade will be led by the talented Westfield High Marching Band. Members of the Downtown Westfield Corporation will judge the costumes and hand out prizes during and after the parade.

HALLOWEEN EXHIBIT RECEPTION

Friday, October 30; 6:00 pm

Gallery U, 439 South Ave., Westfield

A reception celebrating Gallery U’s annual Halloween Exhibit will appeal to the adult set. The exhibit–which runs from October 9th through November 2nd–is titled “Something Wicked This Way Comes: Artwork Celebrating the Gothic and Beautifully Macabre.” Guests of the October 30th reception are encouraged to dress in MASQUERADE!

HERNING AVE HALLOWEEN

Follow this link to my post form a few years ago about the AMAZING Herning Ave Halloween tradition!     Herning Ave Prepares For Halloween