Geneva merchants come together for the third annual Jack-O-Lantern Walk
Local merchants in downtown Geneva are coming together for the third annual Self-Guided Jack-O'-Lantern Walk on Friday, Oct. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m.
It falls on "First Friday" when an array of downtown Geneva businesses offer specials all day - from discounts to giveaways to raffles.
This self-guided Jack-O-Lantern Walk will be something special families can enjoy for a fall-themed evening exploring the charm of specialty shops and restaurants while still being safe.
More than 50 downtown merchants will be displaying glowing jack-o'-lanterns in their windows or outside their business for families to stroll around town and vote on their favorites in three different categories: Most Creative, Most Spooky, or Best Group (3 or more Jack-O'-Lanterns).
A digital interactive map has been created with a QR code for guests to easily scan on their phones to see all the participating local merchants. Event organizer Kristen Cornelio asked her husband Eddie Cornelio to help create this interactive map.
On the front lawn of the historic Kane County Courthouse facing Third Street, there will be a fall-themed photo-op area display that evening for locals and families to have their photos taken while maintaining proper social distancing.
The event is sponsored by the following local businesses: BEI Properties, Harvey's Tales, Image Awards, Engraving & Creative Keepsakes Inc., Pug & Hound Pet Apothecary, State Street Jewelers, The Roder Group- Cross Country Mortgage, Little Barn Baby, Scentcerely Yours, Cedar Fox Weddings & Events, and Twee Partees.
Patty Donahue, owner of Image Awards, Engraving & Creative Keepsakes Inc., has generously helped as a sponsor this year by creating the event trophies for the winning Jack-O-Lantern businesses and she made the special event mug. This mug is available for purchase directly from Donahue. The ceramic mugs were used for social media giveaways to drum up excitement on Facebook and Instagram.
There will be an attendant to help manage proper social distancing and hand sanitizing between each photo taken at the fall-themed photo op area. Kristen Cornelio is creating and designing this photo op area with the help of local sponsor Twee Partees for the community to enjoy for one evening. Guests can cast their votes on their phones by scanning the voting QR codes that will be displayed by the participating jack-o'-lanterns at local businesses.
This evening is intended to be a community-driven, family-friendly self-guided Jack-O'-Lantern Walk. Many merchants will be decorating their storefront windows to create a festive fall atmosphere for locals to enjoy while browsing the downtown shops and restaurants. Many participating local businesses will be showcasing new shop arrivals and restaurants will be highlighting fall menu items. Children are encouraged to dress up this evening.
For more information, follow www.instagram.com/autumnfestgeneva/ for weekly updates and giveaways leading up to the event.
The event will be held rain or shine.
The Geneva businesses that will be displaying jack-o'-lanterns that evening for locals to vote on are: Nosh, Livia Italian Eatery- Geneva location, Evernia, State Street Jewelers, Liz N Kate, Anastazia, Kilwins Chocolates & Ice Cream, Cafe & Barr, Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Geneva Design House by Strawflower, Geneva Wreath Co., Cookie Dough Bliss Geneva, Cravings, Harvey's Tales, Artemisia, Jade, The Gathering, Peak Fitness Studio & Retail Boutique, Pure Barre- Geneva studio, Little Barn Baby, Pug & Hound Pet Apothecary, Stockholm's, Jennifer Kaye Photography, Peaceful Parlour, Country Naturals, Copper Fox, Art History Brewing, Always In Style, Bare Moxie, Aurelio's Pizza Geneva, Geneva History Museum, The Winding Deerpath, Galena Wine Cellars- Geneva location, Dancer's Dream Geneva, Eye Candy Bake Shop, Graham's Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream, Graham's 318 Coffeehouse, Scentcerely Yours, Gia Mia- Geneva location, Grow Geneva, Flair on Third, Doughocracy, Kernel's Gourmet Popcorn- Geneva location, Brush and Restore, Lash Dash, Cocoon, The Royal Wren, Geneva Winery, Elements Massage- Geneva, Osteria Bigolaro, Sergio's Cantina, Concierge Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, and Crystal Life Technology Inc.