Downtown Wheaton Association plans Boo-Palooza

The Downtown Wheaton Association's Boo-Palooza Halloween celebration will return Oct. 27 with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, hayrides, pumpkin carving and more at the new Martin Memorial Plaza in downtown.

Festivities, including trick-or-treating at area stores, will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded in the costume contest for the most colorful, most creative and cutest outfits in age categories ranging from newborns to those 10 and older. All participants will receive special treats.

There also will be a live giant pumpkin carving provided by Wheaton Mulch and carved by Wheaton resident and artist Joe Adkins. Last year's pumpkin weighed in at more than 200 pounds, and this year's will be on display at Martin Memorial Plaza throughout the day.

In addition, kids are invited to participate in the "Trunk-or-Treat" event from 10 a.m. to noon at Gary United Methodist Church in the parking lot by North Hale and Seminary Street.

Here's the day's schedule:

• 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.: Downtown trick-or-treating at participating stores.

• 10 until noon: Trunk-or-Treat at Gary United Methodist Church.

• 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Costume contest at Martin Memorial Plaza.

• 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Free hay rides starting across from Martin Memorial plaza offered by Wheaton Mulch.

For details, visit downtownwheaton.com or call (630) 682-0633.