Backward, turn backward,
O Time, in your flight
Make me a child again
Just for to-night!
~Elizabeth Akers Allen
The poet is of course talking about Halloween—Grand Forks is observing the centuries’ old celebration in a big way this year.
Fright Fest will be held Saturday, Oct. 29. This initiative of the Downtown Business Association features a day full of spooks, scares, surprises—and fun!
The celebration really begins in the week prior to Fright Fest when pumpkin people will start lining the streets. So far there are 36 businesses committed to creating and showcasing a pumpkin person in front of their business, and everyone can vote for their favourite.
Saturday, Oct. 29 is Fright Fest, and Market Avenue will be closed between Second and Third Streets for the day.
The fun starts with a movie at the GEM Theatre at noon. After the movie, you’re invited to decorate a pumpkin, and you can take your creation home with you.
The activities don’t end: costume contests, hayrides, cosmic bowling, face painting, hot dogs…and best of all, the haunted house!
Costume contest categories include kids and pets, as well as scariest, most original, best group, best movie character and best overall. Start thinking about your costume now.
The haunted house will be at 7375 Second Street next to Lynden Tree Yarns and will be open from 2 - 5 to p.m.
Younger children might find it scary; it will be up to parents to decide for their own child.
Halloween fun doesn’t end with Fright Fest: the Rotary Halloween Bonfire which will be held Monday, Oct. 31, at Angus McDonald Park. The bonfire, a long-standing tradition in Grand Forks, is the premiere event on Halloween night.
Check out the Oct. 26 issue of the Gazette for more information on both Fright Fest and the Rotary Halloween Bonfire.