Halloween at the Park offers free family fun
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MARIETTA -- Children can enjoy free games, candy, and food at the 39th annual Halloween at the Park, starting at noon on Saturday in the livestock building at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
The event is geared toward children of typical trick-or-treating age, generally up to age 12, organizer Connie Grimes said. Activities usually last an hour to an hour and a half, though there is no set ending time.
Children will receive a bag of candy upon arrival and can play about a dozen games to collect small toys and trinkets. Free hot dogs, chips, cookies and drinks will also be available.
The livestock building is the first building visitors reach when entering the fairgrounds, Grimes said.
Despite its name, Halloween at the Park is now held indoors because of weather concerns. The event previously took place at Muskingum Park, where a Lions Club Halloween parade once led participants into the festivities. Grimes said that parade is no longer held.
Local civic groups fund candy and other supplies, while volunteers from several organizations help prepare treat bags and run the event.
Sponsors include Kiwanis, the Marietta Civitan Club, Marietta Noon Lions, Marietta Rotary clubs, Pioneer Ladies Civitan, the Zonta Club, Little Caesars Pizza and the City of Marietta.
Grimes highlighted Little Caesars' contributions, saying the business provides substantial financial support and helps supply much of the candy. The company also brings its mascot and distributes coupons and bags to children.
"We have volunteers from just all kind of different organizations that help us with this," Grimes said.