The GHOUL times rolled in Bohn Park Spooktacular
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Let the GHOUL times roll, Lyons! said the Town of Lyons. They re-situated and re-configured the annual Spooktacular after Old Man Winter brought in a snow storm of 7 inches and evening temperatures in the teens on Saturday, October 26, 2023. It was moved from downtown Main Street to Bohn Park on Tuesday, October 31, starting at 4:30 p.m.
Families and fun-loving adults gathered in the park on a lovely, crisp, late afternoon, with clear skies, melted snow, and temps close to 40. Many first enjoyed a hot bowl of locally-made Chili from the Cook Off (left photo); which was a fundraiser for Lyons Garden Club. Some participants said the vegetarian dishes ran out quickly, so take note for next year!
Kids headed for the Games area and Fire Truck. Activities included: – pumpkin bowling – witch hat ring toss – pumpkin decorating – slime making – photo booth – lolly ghost.
It didn’t take long for more than 300 people to show up. Some people were from out of town. The Zellners live in Lafayette. Originally they had a Mom’s Group there; and, over the years, all but the Zellners have since moved to Lyons!
Then all were beckoned to the shelter area. The Lyons Elementary School Choir sang and danced to “Ghost Busters” (left photo) And, the Lyons Middle/High School Band performed for the crowd; and, then lead the parade with pomp and pride (or as much as they could muster in some fun or funny costumes). In the parade line, the Mayama dancers performed to the Bollywood song blasting from the golf cart. (It is traditionally a “walk only” parade; no vehicles or floats)
Approximately 300 costumed kids and adults walked down the Parade path at 5:30 p.m. — south to the baseball field area, and then continued the circle back to the parking lot, with lots of shouting, waving and giggling. Nationally “Barbie” was said to be the most popular new costume, and Addy Stoltz, 10, proudly showed off her Barbie gear. In Lyons, it appeared that wizards/witches and dinosaurs were the most popular.
“Folks, glad you came out and our community rallied Tuesday. Lots of cute pics and costumes from all ages,” said Kim Mitchell, Town of Lyons communications director. The Town of Lyons sponsors the event, and makes sure it is in the budget each year. You can send them an email to let them know if you prefer the Bohn Park location, maybe due to safety concerns? Or, if you prefer it on Main Street, and for what reasons.
The chit chat was often in the form of questions: “Who is that?” “What is that supposed to be?” “Did you make that yourself?” “Wow, that is clever.” “I love the colors.” and more. Just after 6 p.m., the crowd began to disperse slowly. Many headed for downtown Lyons and/or their own neighborhood to do some Trick or Treating. It was dusk, so the kids could safely stroll the streets, filling their Halloween bags with candy. A happy day for all!
===All photographs by Kathleen Spring, copyright 2023. Please contact the photographer for permission to use, produce, commercial use, and more, for written permission. (Families can use photographs of themselves without requesting permission)===
