Enjoy These Fall and Halloween Activities in October

Scarecrows on display at Edward Jones, Downtown Sanford.

Compiled by Kristi King

There’s plenty of fall and Halloween fun for everyone happening in October in Sanford and Springvale.

The first half of the month brings a variety of events, including the Party in the Park happening Saturday, Oct. 14, from noon to 3 pm, rain or shine, at Carpentier Park, 71 High St. There will be bounce houses and inflatables, relays and races, face painting and a photo booth along with free eats such as burgers, dogs, cotton candy, popcorn and seasonal treats. This family fun event hosted by Curtis Lake Church will be in lieu of the Trunk or Treat they hosted for the past 15 years.

That same weekend, the Nourish Maine 5K Run/Walk Race Series will take place in Springvale on Oct. 15 at 10 am benefiting Grahamtastic Connection. Also on Oct. 15, the Dance Studio of Maine South Fall Festival is being held from 2-5 pm at 751 Main St., hosted by the Company Fundraising Committee with all proceeds benefiting company dancers. The $10 admission gains you access to face painting, fall-themed crafts, games, photo ops, and fun dance classes along with fall treats, apple cider, and a 50/50 raffle. It’s a lovely time of year for the monthly Art Walk taking place on Oct. 13 from 4-8 pm in downtown Sanford. Also, stop by the Southern Maine Artists and Crafters Festival on Oct. 14 from 9 am to 2 pm at the Sanford Performing Arts Center and don’t forget the Dining-to-Donate Fundraiser at Frannie’s Mini Donuts at 913 Main St., Oct. 15 from 7 am to Noon. A portion of sales will be donated to St. Thomas School.

Pleasant Street Free Baptist Church in Springvale is hosting a pumpkin decorating event on Oct. 16 at 10 am and also that week the popular Paint Night with Lizz at Pilot’s Cove Café happens on Oct. 18 and requires registration here.

Exciting events continue with the Friends of Downtown’s Selfies with Scarecrows Annual Event supported by Sanford and Springvale businesses that set up themed scenes using decorated scarecrows for unique fall selfies. From Oct. 16-30, community members are encouraged to visit the participating business venues so they can be entered into drawings to win local prizes.

At the end of the month, the YMCA offers the Spooky Sprint 5K Family Fun Run/Walk at 8 am on Saturday, Oct. 28, including a Fun Run for younger participants that encourages costumes and registration. Mark Motors is holding its third annual Pumpkin Carving Contest from Oct. 24-26. Each day from 8:30 am to 5 pm, people are invited to drop off their already-carved pumpkin to be entered into the contest. Folks are asked to stop by and vote for their favorites; the three top winners will be named. For some adult fun, a Smitty’s Live Comedy Show happens on Oct. 21 at 7 pm. There is also the Harvest Party at Mercy Chapel at 1861 Main St., with games, activities, prizes, fellowship, inflatables, animals and fun on Oct. 28 at 2 pm.

Good news! The Lodges Care Center at 51 Main St. in Springvale is holding a Trunk or Treat on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 2-4 pm with decorated cars, games and treats for all to enjoy. The month ends with a Halloween Evening Trunk or Treat event happening this year thanks to Mikini Embroidery and Sports Apparel. It will be held on Halloween night from 5-8 pm at the Rent-A-Center, 1458 Main St. Call them at 459-1200 to enter a decorated car and/or donate candy. This Halloween event will be a wonderful way to end this busy month of fall activities.