Emily Brahimi, 4, tosses a pumpkin bean bag at some stacked cans during Boo Bash while dad Farid Brahimi looks on.
Scott Slade | The Times-Post
The line leading to the trunk-or-treat area at Boo Bash winds around the back area of the Pendleton Sports Complex.
Scott Slade | The Times-Post
Liam Pulfer plays Zoltar as he gives out candy to trunk-or-treaters, including Connor Gray, 7 (middle), brother and fellow MinionDylan, 5 (left), and brother Logan, 8 (right), aka Michael Myers.
Scott Slade | The Times-Post
Terri Williams of Anderson passes out candy during Boo Bash dressed as Ursula (along with her Jeep, which is permanently tricked out as Ursula, but featured some temporary accessories for the occasion, including inflatable tentacles).
Scott Slade | The Times-Post
Bradley Strickland of Pendleton walks with children Cecilia (foreground) and Louella, during Boo Bash.
Scott Slade | The Times-Post
Talulah Thorp, 2, of Pendleton, takes candy held by Katelyn Delk (dressed as Mabel Pines of the animated series Gravity Falls) at the Mystery Shack Store trunk-or-treat stop.
Scott Slade | The Times-Post
Leeland “Spider-Man” Douglas holds up candy for his mom Lilly’s approval while they made their way through trunk-or-treat at Boo Bash with his dad Owen and brother J.C. “Buzz Lightyear.”
Scott Slade | The Times-Post
A hayride transported people to various stops at the Sports Complex during Boo Bash.
Scott Slade | The Times-Post
Terry Clayton blows bubbles as his daughter Emma and Eleanor Foster leap to catch them at the games area of Boo Bash at the Sports Complex.
Scott Slade | The Times-Post
Falls Park maintenance supervisor Donnie Meyer takes a moment to pet Link, a 4-month-old Corgi owned by Alyssa Garcia-Gallegos and family, including Elijah Gallegos, who is holding onto the leash of the other Corgi, Zelda.
Scott Slade | The Times-Post
PENDLETON — In South Madison County, Halloween isn’t something to wait until Oct. 31 to celebrate. Local events help people put their fright on early and often.
The fourth annual Boo Bash took place Saturday, Oct. 19, for the first time at the Sports Complex in Falls Park. It was moved from the parking circle near the Community Building, offering space for more attractions, including an area for food and craft vendors, as well as a hay ride that transported people on a loop with stops for games, trunk-or-treating and parking.
“It’s been a huge hit,” park Maintenance Director Donnie Meyer said almost two-thirds of the way through the 5-8 p.m. event.
He said organizers were not expecting such a turnout; he estimated there were more than 2,000 visitors so far, “and we still got an hour and 10 minutes to go.”
The line to go through the trunk-or-treating area — the main draw of the event — wound around the parking lot at the back of the Sports Complex and down the road that leads to the front of the complex.
People appeared not to mind the long wait in the perfect-weather evening, although some did comment on it.
“That line is not for the faint of heart,” one woman said to a friend.
The trunk-or-treat area included more than 50 elaborately decorated vehicles manned by costumed purveyors of goodies and good cheer.
“I love Halloween — it’s probably my favorite holiday,” said Terri Williams, who was dressed as Ursula from “The Little Mermaid” and was passing out candy from her Jeep. The vehicle is also named Ursula, with permanent accessories and a paint job reflecting that.
“I love to dress up, and I love to see children dress up.
“My favorite is when a little girl dressed up as Ariel wants to have her picture taken with me.”
Kara Pulfer — whose son Liam was dispensing candy from his Zoltar (from the movie “Big”) fortune-teller booth — said they were there just to give back to the community.
“We love Pendleton, so we just want to help out, have fun and make people happy.”
Markleville is also conducting a Halloween event that offers more than its name implies — Trunk N Treat 2024 is set for 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Markleville Community Park, 2649 State Road 38, Markleville.
At 5:30 p.m., people are invited to decorate trunks and pass out candy around the shelter house.
Hayrides will be offered from 6-7 p.m.; a costume contest takes place at 7 p.m. (ages 3 and younger, 4-7, 8-12, and 13 and older.
Markleville Police Department will pass out doughnuts. Psi Phi Sorority women will pass out hot dogs and drinks.
Adams Township Fire Department will be on scene; East Christian Church will be there with a booth.
Blue Pumpkin Table will offer a quiet space for children who might struggle with noises or crowds. STEM items and candy will be available.
Many churches and other organizations plan Halloween events.
Trunk or Treat at Daybreak Community Church, 1219 N. Main St., Lapel — 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. There will be food and candy, games and bounce houses.
Trick-or-Treat at Rawlins House & Fall Creek Retirement Village, 300 J.H. Walker Drive, Pendleton — 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 29. Children 12 and younger are welcome to trick-or-treat in a safe and friendly environment.
Halloween-themed storytime at Pendleton Community Public Library (Maple Room), 595 E. Water St., Pendleton — 10-11 a.m. Oct. 31. Intended for children 6 and younger. There will be snacks, songs, crafts and playtime.
Trunk or Treat at Pendleton First United Methodist Church, 225 W. State St., Pendleton — 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31.
As for trick-or-treating on Halloween night, towns set official hours:
Ingalls — 6-9 p.m. Oct. 31
Lapel — 5-8 p.m. Oct. 31
Markleville — 6-9 p.m. Oct. 31
Pendleton — 6-9 p.m. Oct. 31
During its trick-or-treating time, Pendleton will block off Broadway Street between High and Walnut streets to automobile traffic.
The strip — where homeowners are known to be particularly spirited with their observance — will be closed “to safely accommodate the common high foot traffic in the area,” the town website states.