Halloween Fun at and around GSU

Fall has set upon us once again, and with that comes pumpkins, chili, warm apple cider and Halloween fun. There are many events to celebrate the season, both here on campus and in the communities surrounding GSU. No matter what your favorite activity is this time of year, there is something for everyone.

The fun kicks off on campus October 24, when GSU hosts its annual Fall Harvest Festival. The Harvest Festival is an all-ages event featuring a costume contest, karaoke, and laser tag. For those who are brave enough, there will also be a haunted train ride. The event begins at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria annex. Reservations to the event are suggested, though not required to attend the event. Those who are interested in reserving a spot at the event can contact Dennis Dent in Student Life at 708-235-7609.

The Village of Park Forest will be hosting the village's annual Safe Halloween event. There will be scarecrow contests, costume contests, games, and candy for all. The event will take place on October 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. behind Village Hall in downtown Park Forest. Calvary UP Church, located at 425 N Orchard Drive in Park Forest, is hosting a haunted house on October 25 and 26 from 7 to 9:30 pm. The event is being held in support of the Rich and Monee Township food pantries. Those that bring a canned food donation will be given a discount on admittance. The price is $3 per person with a canned food donation, $4 without, and $2 for children five years and younger. The church is also hosting a Trunk or Treat event, as well as a free chili dinner, on October 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. The event will feature vehicles decorated for Halloween. Children can have fun trick-or-treating, while parents can enjoy a warm bowl of chili.

The Village of University Park hosts Haunting at Hickok on October 25 and 26 from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. Guests makes their way through the haunted Hickok Aquatic Center surrounded by screams, howls, ghosts and ghouls. The Hickok Aquatic Center is located at 711 Hickok Avenue in University Park.

There is also the Riegel Farm Harvest Tour. In addition to touring the farm, families will be able to choose a pumpkin to take home from the farm's wide variety of pumpkins for sale. The event runs from October 21 to October 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Admission to Riegel Farm is $6 per person. Riegel Farm is located at 580 Farmview Drive in University Park.

University Park is also hosting Octoberfest, a Halloween party for all ages. There will be candy, games, costume contests and more. The event is free to all and will take place on Wednesday, October 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 90 Towncenter Dr.

The Village of Richton Park is planning their own Halloween festivities with their Trail of Treats on October 26 from 3 to 6 p.m. There will be games, trick or treating, crafts, spooky stories, music and dancing. The event is free to residents and $5 for nonresidents. Advanced registration is required. The Trail of Treats will take place at the Richton Park Community Center, located at 4445 Sauk Trail in Richton Park.

Richton Park is also hosting a craft show and chili cook-off at the Center on November 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be jewelry, candles, purses, home goods and more for sale. The craft fair is free and the chili cook-off is $5.

Chicago Heights is also offering some tricks, treats and scares this year. The town is hosting Haunted Halloween Trails on October 18 and 19 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The cost is $6 per person. There will be a gift for the best dressed attendee, so make sure to wear a costume. There will also be a Halloween party at the Chicago Heights Park District Recreation Center on October 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be candy, popcorn, and games, as well as a scary movie. The party is open to children between the ages of five and 10. Admission is $2 in advance, or $3 at the door. The Chicago Heights Park District Recreation Center is located at 1400 Chicago Road in Chicago Heights.