BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Linda Friend Memorial Spooktacular is heading downtown this year, a move organizers say will turn the annual Halloween tradition into a true community-wide event.

The free event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, throughout downtown Bucyrus, capped off with a free community movie at 7 p.m. at Schines Art Park.

Kate Volk said the goal behind the move was collaboration, not just growth.

“We wanted Spooktacular to feel more like a full community event instead of one organization trying to plan everything,” Volk said. “The goal isn’t necessarily to make it ‘bigger,’ but to make it more collaborative and community-driven. We still want to honor what the Linda Friend Memorial Spooktacular has always been while giving it room to evolve.”

Why Downtown

Adam Heinlen said the downtown setting gives the event more room to spread out activities and pull in more local groups.

“It allows businesses, nonprofits, churches, clubs and organizations to participate without having to plan their own separate Halloween event,” Heinlen said. “Organizations can simply sign up for trunk-or-treat, decorate, bring candy and participate. We handle the location and event logistics.”

The change is also meant to cut down on the number of small, separate trunk-or-treats happening across town.

“We’re hoping to reduce some of the duplication of several small trunk-or-treats happening separately and instead bring everyone together for one larger event,” Volk said. “The downtown setup also allows families to walk from activity to activity and then stay for the movie afterward.”

What To Expect

This year’s lineup includes:

  • A community trunk-or-treat with local organizations and businesses.
  • A bounce house.
  • Free pumpkins for kids, sponsored by the VFW.
  • Bike giveaways sponsored by Avita Health System.
  • A chili cook-off in collaboration with Crawford Mentors, with mentors, families, and board members preparing the chili and donations suggested.
  • An All Abilities & Sensory-Friendly Trunk or Treat behind Bucyrus United Methodist Church (UMC), offering a quieter option for children and families who need it.
  • Food and activities from participating organizations.
  • Halloween and family-friendly activities throughout downtown.
  • A free community movie following Spooktacular at Schines Art Park, sponsored by Castle Auctions & Appraisals and Rick’s Sewer & Drain.

All Abilities & Sensory-Friendly Option

In partnership with Oasis, Bucyrus UMC’s Special Needs & Sensory-Friendly Ministry, organizers are offering an All Abilities & Sensory-Friendly Trunk or Treat behind the church from 4 to 7 p.m.

“This dedicated area will provide a welcoming, sensory-friendly trick-or-treat experience for children and families who may benefit from a quieter environment,” Heinlen said. “We’re committed to making Spooktacular a fun and inclusive event for everyone, and we can’t wait to share even more exciting additions in the weeks ahead.”

Volk said additional businesses and community members have already contributed sponsorships and donations, with more information and a full sponsor list available on the event’s registration page.

Volk credited city staff for their role in bringing the event together, noting several city employees have been closely involved in planning.

The Big Picture

Organizers say the changes are meant to deliver:

  • More collaboration among local groups.
  • Less duplication of smaller events.
  • Easier participation for community organizations.
  • More free activities for families.
  • A reason to bring people downtown.
  • One central Halloween event for the community.

Businesses, organizations, churches, and clubs interested in participating can sign up to host a trunk-or-treat station. Updates are also being shared on the event’s Facebook page.

Organizers noted that trick-or-treat in Bucyrus will be held separately on Saturday, Oct. 31.