by Ashley Witzenberger
Moonlight Madness, Thursday, October 22, 6 to 9 p.m.
Stores and boutiques will be open late, 6-9 p.m., with fantastic sales. Splash and the Mixing Room, Capitol Stationers and Zutano will be offering 20 percent off storewide from 6 to 9 p.m. only. The Drawing Board will be celebrating their 40th anniversary with cake and refreshments from 6 to 9 p.m. and 40 percent off of all art supplies. Check your favorite store for more details.
Earlier in the evening on October 22, 4 to 6 p.m., the Montpelier Parks Department and Montpelier Alive will team up for a giant pumpkin carving contest. Pumpkins are free, and those who are willing, can donate their pumpkin creation to the Enchanted Forest event in Hubbard Park later in the month. Join us in City Hall Plaza, show off your pumpkin carving skills, and be part of a community tradition.
In addition to the pumpkin carving, there will be a pie sale for Montpelier Alive and a cider and baked goods fundraiser for the Montessori School of Central Vermont.
Enchanted Forest, Saturday, October 24, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., Hubbard Park
The Enchanted Forest will be a magical evening for both children and adults. Those who attend the event will explore the mystery of nature and darkness with theatre, storytelling, candlelit trails, music, wagon rides through the forest and an enchanting pumpkin-lit path to the tower in Hubbard Park. Performances will take place at stages tucked away in the meadows and forests around the tower. Hot cider, freshly-made Wood Belly pizza and refreshments will be available at the New Shelter entrance.
Tickets for the Enchanted Forest can be purchased at the event at the New Shelter in Hubbard Park: $5 for children, $10 for adults and $25 for families; advance tickets can be purchased at the city clerk’s office. The proceeds of the Enchanted Forest will benefit the Hubbard Park natural playground efforts.
The first half of the event is geared towards a younger audience, and the second half occurs in darkness with only natural light. This year’s festivities celebrate Hubbard Park’s 116th anniversary!
Mix & Mingle Networking Party, Thursday, October 29, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Skinny Pancake
CarShare Vermont, Montpelier Alive and Skinny Pancake are co-hosting a business networking event at the Skinny Pancake with light refreshments, free drinks for early birds, and live music. You are invited to bring your business cards, chat up the Montpelier business community, and make some new connections.
Monster Mash, costume contest, haunted walk and Trick-or-Treat on Halloween, Saturday, October 31, 3 to 5:30 p.m.
Halloween is a Saturday this year, so downtown Montpelier has decided to step things up a bit! Starting at 3 p.m. on State Street (between Elm and Main), there will be a Monster Mash with carnival games, an obstacle course and free popcorn and cotton candy, all hosted by the Community Capital Church. At 3:15 p.m., also on State Street, line up for the costume contest; the categories are cutest, scariest and most creative in the following age ranges: 0-5, 6-12, 13-18, Adult and Pet. There will also be one overall winner. Winners will receive gifts and gift certificates from downtown Montpelier stores.
At 4 p.m., the merchants will be ready for trick-or-treating, giving away candy, toys and other treasures to the community kids. Downtown trick-or-treating has become a safe and fun tradition in Montpelier.
As if all of this wasn’t enough, Lost Nation Theater invites you to their Spooktacular Haunted Walk in City Hall. From 4 to 5:30 p.m., tour the “kid-friendly” Haunted Walk and get scared with friends and family!
Please check the Montpelier Alive Facebook event pages for up-to-date information!
https://www.facebook.com/MontpelierAlive/events
The writer is executive director of Montpelier Alive.
