Halloween Happenings for the Whole Family

A scary scene on Grammar Street.

Photo: Zendelle Bouchard

By Zendelle Bouchard and Carolyn Cadigan

Selfies with Sanford Scarecrows  is back to kick off the spooky season!  Scarecrows will be up at local businesses and nonprofits from Oct. 19-31. Snap your selfies and post to Facebook or Instagram with the tag #sanfordscarecrows to help the Friends of Downtown pick the winning scarecrows! The map with all locations is here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=15Uejod1Wn7_-de1ONpM2-xrFJAiK5ng

It’s time to get your carve on! Marc Motors Nissan is holding its 4th Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest, offering both an adult prize and an under-18 prize for the pumpkins that earn the most votes. The best adult entry receives a $100 cash prize, and the best under-18 entry receives a $50 gift card to Smitty’s Cinema. Those interested in participating should take their already carved pumpkins to Marc Motors during the entry period, Oct. 28 through Oct. 30 between 8:00 am and 5 pm. Be sure to include your name and phone number on the back of the pumpkin. Pumpkins will be on display in the showrooms. The public can vote on the best pumpkin either in person or on Facebook. Marc Motors will announce the winners by noon on Oct. 31. 

Hocus Pocus Movie Night is Saturday, Oct. 19 at Shaw Field. There will be two showings of this classic family film, at 6 and 8 pm. Concessions open at 5. Wear your costumes and bring your lawn chairs. The costume contest drawing will take place at 5:45. All proceeds support Sanford Soccer.

Great Bay Services’ annual Haunted House is on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 61 Washington St., Suite 4. This event is free and open to the public. There will be ghouls and goblins, treats and prizes, and raffle baskets to win.

Goodall Library’s Halloween Event for children is set for Friday, Oct. 25 from 2 to 4 pm. Wear a costume, do some fun Halloween crafts, enjoy yummy treats and more.

The Horror Movie Halloween Party at Smitty’s Cinema and GameLab is a 21+ event. Doors open at 8:30 pm on Friday, Oct. 25. Tickets are $10 per person, $15 per couple and $8 for stein members. Ticket holders get a $10 bowling credit, two hours unlimited arcade, a special spooky drink menu, best costume contest, horror movie trivia and music by DJ B. Aull.

The Sanford-Springvale YMCA is holding its annual Spooky Sprint 5KRun/Walk on Oct. 26 from 9 am to noon. New this year is a costume contest. Warm up those hot glue guns and get creative. There will be a camera and backdrop set up to take photos of  individuals and families who would like to participate. The event offers fun activities, games, snacks, a Monster Mash Dance Party Bash and more. FMI and to register, call 207-324-4942. 

The Great Halloween Treasure Hunt is a free community event on Saturday, Oct. 26. Pick up your first clue at Pilot’s Cove Café between 1 and 2 pm, and then head off on your quest for candy, fun and more. Sponsored by Eldredge Lumber, Marc Motors and Sanford Sound.

Witches on Water is Oct. 26 from 3-4 pm. Grab your paddle boards and kayaks and join this casual meet up on Number One Pond in your best witches and wizards’ costumes. Not a water lover? Wave from the walkway around the pond! Rain date Nov. 2.

Join the fun at the All Ages Halloween Party at Pilot’s Cove on Saturday, Oct. 26. Doors open at 5:30 and music starts at 6 featuring The Wicked North, Defined Perspective and The Outsiders. There will be a costume contest. Prizes include $50 cash and band merchandise. Advance tickets are $7.18 (including online fee) from https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-outsiders-defined-perspective-and-the-wicked-north-at-pilots-cove-tickets-1001035844157. You can also purchase tickets for $10 at the door.

Bootz & Bagelz Presents The Hallo-Queen Ball at Downhill Bagel Co., 446 Main St. on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 7-11 pm. This 18+ event will feature spooky drag performances and a costume contest. Purchase tickets ($9.85 including online fee) at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hallo-queen-ball-tickets-1036827297357.

A Halloween Party for ages 21+ will behosted by Mill Towne Tavern at 898 Main St. on Saturday, Oct. 26 beginning at 8 pm. DJ Adam will keep the music coming. No cover charge. Costume contest with prizes.

Spooky Ice Cream Social and Movie Night at the St. Thérèse Parish Office is open to all youth in grades 6-12. Sunday, Oct. 27 from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. This event is free, but you must RSVP by Oct. 26 to smstolfaithformation@portlanddiocese.org.

Students from the Sanford Middle School’s JMG program are bringing back their scary Haunted Woods attraction at Gowen Park on Tuesday, Oct. 29, with a rain date of Oct. 30. There will be an admission charge and please note this event is not recommended for young children.

Looking for a different way to have some spooky fun? Check out the Halloween Magic Show at Smitty’s, 1327 Main St. Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 6 pm. An unforgettable Halloween experience for the family! Kids $5, adults $13.

Frannie’s Furry Friends Pet Costume Contest is on now through Oct. 31. Submit an entry by posting a picture on Instagram or Facebook, tagging Frannie’s Mini Donuts and using the hashtag #franniesfurryfriends in the post. Staff will pick their top three favorite costumes to win 32 packs of donuts and a treat bag for the pet.

Next week we’ll have a rundown of all the trick-or-treat and trunk-or-treat events in town – stay tuned!