"Halloween Hoopla" a Spook-tacular Event

Are you in the Fall season spirit and looking for something exciting to do Friday or Saturday? If so, the Deerfield Park District has an annual event that always seems to bring out the best in this community.

On Oct. 28 & 29, at , the Park District will host it's annual "Halloween Hoopla" event.

There will be food, a DJ, bonfire (weather permitting), crafts, children's entertainment, balloons and a haunted house that has earned a reputation for being one of the most fun in the area.

"I'm not aware of another local Halloween event that has this combination of events," Darla Kuhs, Communications and Foundation Manager for the Park District, said. "There are a lot of area community groups involved in making this wonderful event happen, such as the Opitimist Club and Rotarty Club, among others."

Fun For All Ages

Among the activities scheduled: On Friday, there will be a DJ, bonfire, movies and a Haunted House ($5) from 7-9 pm at the community center.

On Saturday, from 3-6 pm, there will be a lights-on haunted house ($3 for kids' haunted house, $5 for all kids' activities, or $8 combined) for younger children. The events will then close for a brief one hour setup period, at which point the haunted house and other activites will open at 7 pm.

Jewett Park and Community Center is located at 836 Jewett Park Dr., just west of Waukegan Rd. next to the Deerfield Police Dept.

The Deerfield Park District will also announce the winners of its 5th annual Parade of Haunted Houses at Halloween Hoopla, Saturday at 8 pm. The categories this year are: Most Creatively Creepy, Best Fear Factor, Most Family-Friendly, Judges Choice and more.

Each of these events also raises money for the community due to the outstanding support of local sponsors. Additionally, local business (740 Waukegan Rd.) will donate 10% of its net sales from 10 am - 10 pm, Oct. 28-30, to the Deerfield Park Foundation.

Other planned activites:

• Dave Herzog's marionettes
• Face painting
• Inflatable rides
• Halloween craft activities
• Kiddie carnival types of games
• "Southpaw," the Chicago White Sox mascot

For general information about the event, contact the Park District at 847-945-0650, or e-mail them at info@deerfieldparks.org.

Be sure to check out some photos from past Halloween Hoopla events in the story above.