Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The city of Salem is gearing up for a Halloween-filled weekend with three major events scheduled for the last weekend of October.
Kicking off the festivities is Pumpkinfest, set to take place on Friday, Oct. 25, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Salem Farmers Market. The annual event, now in its 24th year, will feature a costume contest, pumpkin giveaways, carnival games, and inflatables for children. Attendees can also explore the “Chefs vs. Surgeons” Jack O’ Lantern patch, vote for their favorite carved pumpkin, and participate in the pumpkin auction. Admission for adults is $5, while children 15 and under can attend for free. Wristbands for unlimited activities are available for $5.
Food will be provided by local favorites, including Dale’s Diner, The Tailgate, Kettle Cooker Express, and Sweet Surrender Ice Cream, with live entertainment from “Five-Dollar Shake.” All proceeds will go to support Area 8 Special Olympics. Pumpkinfest is presented by Q99, Kroger, and Salem Parks and Recreation.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, children are invited to Trick-or-Treat with the Downtown Merchants from 10 a.m. to noon along Main Street. Businesses displaying a pumpkin sticker in their storefront windows are participating in this event, which is sponsored by InFirst Federal Credit Union.
That same day, the Salem Sheriff’s Office will host its annual Fall Open House from 10 a.m. to noon at 2 E. Calhoun Street.
The Halloween celebrations will conclude with citywide Trick-or-Treating on Thursday, Oct. 31.
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