Halloween Party thrills West Dundee families

It's a sign of a successful party when your guests linger after they're supposed to leave.

By that criterion, West Dundee's Halloween Party in Grafelman Park Saturday was a smash.

Local families haunted Grafelman well after the party officially ended to enjoy hot apple cider, hayrides around historic West Dundee and a straw bale maze that was a hit among the kids.

Saturday's turnout was all the more impressive because it was the village's first Halloween Party - organized not by a local government or army of volunteers but by a West Dundee couple who wanted to give back to their community.

"Instead of just watching TV, I wanted to do something for the community," said Jill Harris, who planned the Halloween Party with her husband, Duane. "We did six events, and this was our best one."

With encouragement and help from the village, the Harrises organized six community events this year, including a dog show and a kite-flying fair. The Halloween Party was their last event of the year.

The Lukes family, who live just two blocks away from Grafelman Park in downtown West Dundee, were among the last to leave, staying late to take a hayride and decorate a pumpkin.

"I hope they keep doing it because it was really well done," Keith Lukes said. "I loved it. I thought it was great."

Floyd Cannon of West Dundee brought his three sons to the party, where they all got their faces painted in ghoulish black and white.

"We're from the neighborhood, and they all wanted to come this year," Cannon said. "We like to be involved in stuff in the community."

Jill Harris said she and her husband are already making plans for next year's Halloween Party and may expand the event.