The Chillicothe Halloween Festival kicks off today and continues through Sunday in Chillicothe’s Yoctangee Park.
This year’s festival features more than 70 vendors, along with favorite food options, live entertainment from local and regional bands, and an expanded family fun zone - which offers games and inflatable bounce houses, as well as Virtual Reality pods, two escape rooms, laser tag, and more.
Additionally, there will be a costume contest for kids and adults, a car show followed by a trunk or treat event, the popular Coffin Races...and new this year: a Great Pumpkin Drop offering cash and other prizes.
The festival has also partnered with the Southern Ohio Giant Pumpkin Growers to host the annual pumpkin weigh-off during the festival. In addition to the pumpkins there will be other vegetables and gourds featured.
Special exhibits and celebrity appearances will include The Goblin Project and Corey McCauley. The Goblin Project is the Green Goblin film prop that was made famous in the Stephen King film “Maximum Overdrive.” Owner of the Green Goblin, Tim Shockey, will be showcasing the film prop where you can get your photo taken with the iconic prop.
McCauley is a special effects artist who has worked on such films as “The Bye-Bye Man,” “Gerald's Game,” and “My Soul to Keep” to name a few. He was also the creature creator for the films “Myth: Bigfoot Hunters” and “Fighting the Sky.” He’ll be offering masks, props, and assortment of created monster throughout the festival.
Halloween Festival Committee President Gene Betts says the committee worked hard to grow the festival this year, and they’re excited to present all its new activities and experiences. Betts says it’s definitely a community festival where all ages can come down and participate and have fun.
The festival runs from Friday, October 7th, starting at 11:00am through 10:00pm. On Saturday, October 8th it will open at 10:00am until 10:00pm, and Sunday, October 9th it opens at 10:00am and concludes for the year at 5:00pm.
Admission to the festival is free. Visit the festival's website for the full events schedule.