Boo-Palooza returning to downtown Wheaton

The Boo-Palooza Halloween celebration will return to Downtown Wheaton next month with trick-or-treating at participating businesses, costume contests, hayrides, pumpkin carving and more.

The celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Martin Memorial Plaza in the heart of downtown.

It also will feature hayrides from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the return of the great pumpkin carving, featuring Wheaton artist Joe Adkins, at 11 a.m. in the plaza. Last year's pumpkin weighed in at more than 200 pounds.

Those looking for a spooky story, should head to Wheaton Drama for storytelling from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded for the most colorful, the most creative and the overall cutest costume with age categories ranging from 0-3 years old up to 10-plus. All participants will receive special treats.

Returning this year after a hiatus is the pet costume contest with prizes awarded for the most colorful, the most creative and the overall cutest.

Kids also are invited to participate in the Trunk-or-Treat event at Gary United Methodist Church (in the parking lot by North Hale and Seminary Street) from 10 a.m. to noon. Children can vote on the best trunk décor.

Here's the day's schedule:

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Trick-or-Treating at downtown businesses.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Face painting at Martin Memorial Plaza.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Storytelling at Wheaton Drama.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Pumpkin decorating at Martin Memorial Plaza.

10 a.m.: Costume Contest at Martin Memorial Plaza.

10:30 a.m.: Pet Costume Contest at Martin Memorial Plaza.

10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Hayrides from Martin Memorial Plaza.

11 a.m. Live pumpkin carving demonstration.

For details, visit downtownwheaton.com or call the Downtown Wheaton Association at (630) 682-0633.