ThisWeek CW 10/16/2014
http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2014/10/13/fall-festival-beggars-night-on-october-calendar.html
Plenty of treats are on the calendar for area families looking to celebrate Halloween beyond just trick-or-treating.
The city of Groveport will host several fall events leading up to the big night when costumed children head out to harvest candy and other treats from generous houses.
Trick-or-treating in both Groveport and Canal Winchester will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, rain or shine.
The annual Canal Winchester Halloween Party sponsored by the local VFW will immediately follow trick-or-treating. The free party will take place at the Frances Steube Community Center, 22 S. Trine St.
Canal Winchester Human Services will help sponsor entertainment for the evening.
For more information about Canal Winchester’s events, call Bobbi Sumner at 614-837-7691 or visit canalwinchesterohio. gov.
In Groveport, hot dogs, popcorn and drinks will be distributed during trick-or-treating at the Groveport Town Hall, 648 Main St. A pumpkin-carver will be set up there and the annual Lions Club Parade will begin at 7 p.m. in front of the building.
Early events
Organizer Tina Dillman said the city is excited to offer so many programs ahead of Halloween for adults and children this month, starting with the Groveport Cemetery History Tour at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Heritage Park, 551 Wirt Road.
“All (are) true stories that begin and end in a cemetery, where you can meet past residents of Groveport, including the famous ‘Horse Whisperer’ John S. Rarey, a canal worker named Catherine Richardson and more at this free merry-not-scary event,” Dillman said.
Groveport’s annual Fall Festival will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Heritage Park. The free event includes hayrides, activities and crafts. Visitors may bring either a carved pumpkin or scarecrow to enter in contests and they are also invited to enter a costume contest being held for people and their pets.
“During this time of the year, the owl is associated with being spooky,” Dillman said. “At 6:30 p.m., families can come into the Groveport Nature Center (located in the park), to learn fun facts about owls and other creepy animals associated with fall.”
Visitors also are asked to consider bringing nonperishable items to help stock the local food pantry. A prize will be given to the family that brings the most items for the pantry.
Fall Fest will conclude with a family-friendly PG-13 movie starting at 7 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the festival will be held at KidSpace, 630 Wirt Road.
Finally, just ahead of Beggars Night, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, KidSpace will host a free trick-or-treat bag decorating night for children ages 3 to 12. All supplies are included but advance registration is required by Monday, Oct. 27, by calling Dillman at 614-836-3333.