Halloween Hoopla coming to downtown Des Plaines

Posted October 20, 2014 11:00 pm

Submitted by Des Plaines Park District

Jewels the Clown leads the parade of treat gatherers at the 2013 costume parade in downtown Des Plaines. Courtesy of Lisa Haring

The Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, the Des Plaines History Center, the Des Plaines Public Library and the Des Plaines Park District will host the annual Halloween Hoopla on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Spooky fun begins with a costume parade for kids in and around Metropolitan Square and on Miner Street, and a day of safe trick-or-treating at participating businesses in Des Plaines, sponsored by the chamber of commerce.

The 2014 parade steps off at 10 a.m. from the center of Metropolitan Square, and is led by Jewels the Clown. Children participating in the parade and wearing a costume will receive a special trick-or-treat bag and a prize.

From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., the History Center will present its annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration with a sugar skull-painting and decorating workshop. The workshop is recommended for children ages 5-12 with an adult; the cost for members is $2, nonmembers $3. No registration is required. Visitors can also view the history center's current display, "Greetings from Des Plaines," an exhibit on travel to and from the city.

New for 2014, the Des Plaines Optimist Club is sponsoring Pumpkin Drag Races outside the Kinder House. Bring your own pumpkin racer to compete or borrow one from our scrap yard. Pumpkin racing is scheduled from noon until 3 p.m.

Join Des Plaines Park District staff and make a Spooky Halloween frame from 1-3 p.m., at the Des Plaines Public Library. This will be followed by live family entertainment at 3 p.m. from Magic Matt's Spooky Fun Magic and Balloon Show. Space is limited; free tickets will be passed out beginning at 2:30 p.m. Friends of the Library sponsors this show.

For information, contact the hosting agencies at www.DPParks.org or (847) 391-5700, www.dpchamber.org or (847) 824-4200, www.dppl.org or (847) 827-5551, www.desplaineshistory.org or (847) 391-5399.

Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with painting sugar skulls at this year's Halloween Hoopla event in downtown Des Plaines. Courtesy of Lisa Haring

Two young astronauts venture out to find undiscovered treats at the Halloween parade around downtown Des Plaines during a previous Halloween Hoopla. Courtesy of Lisa Haring

This super hero is enjoying fun and games at the Halloween Hoopla hosted by the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, the Des Plaines History Center, the Des Plaines Public Library and the Des Plaines Park District. Courtesy of Lisa Haring

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