FREEHOLD – With the arrival of October, thoughts and preparations turn to Halloween, the season of trick or treating, ghosts and goblins, pumpkins and hot apple cider. In Freehold
Borough, when the corn stalks adorn the poles throughout the town, the signal goes out
that the annual Halloween Spooktacular has arrived.
“This year we have created a Halloween theme that is our best ever. It’s free, full of great activities, and a not-to-miss experience,” Spooktacular Chairman Billy Anderson said.
A Monster Mash has been added to the popular pumpkin carving contest for the 2018 Halloween Spooktacular extravaganza. The event, to be held at the Monmouth County Hall of Records, East Main Street, from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 20, has added a new Monsters Inc. bouncy ride.
Goblin music from DJ Dave will enhance the atmosphere for activities that include “Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin,” mummy wrapping, children’s games, and free cider, donuts and candy, according to a press release.
On Oct. 28, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Freehold Raceway parking lot, the 42nd annual Halloween Spooktacular Parade will take place throughout Freehold Borough and along Main Street in what is considered to be the largest Halloween parade in Monmouth County, according to the press release.
All costumed marchers must report to the Freehold Raceway parking lot, Route 33 side, no later than 12:30 p.m. Those wishing to have their costume judged need to be in the parking lot between noon and 12:45 p.m. The parade steps off at exactly 1 p.m.
All six Freehold Regional High School District marching bands will lead the young marchers and their families along the parade route. Free cider, apples and donuts will be handed out at the Hall of Records parking lot at the end of the parade, plus trophies for the winning costumes.
Freehold Regional art students and their instructors will visit Freehold Borough on Oct. 12 to paint Halloween scenes on the front windows of the town’s stores as they continue a tradition that dates back to the early 1950s, according to the press release.
Further information about the Halloween activities may be obtained by visiting the Spooktacular website at www.Spooktacular.com