Everything from wandering witches to costumed canines will be in view during October Days in Historic Downtown Long Grove at 145 Old McHenry Road.
The Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association hosts the annual celebration because “It brings people into town to support our businesses,” said the Association’s Events Manager, Nikki Faul. “They shop, they dine, they explore all that our charming town has to offer. It allows our local merchants to connect with a wider audience and with our community.”
“It’s community-focused,” added the Association’s Vice President Dave Gayton. “It’s a great way to connect with families that are in our community and surrounding communities.”
Faul reported that thousands of people attend October Days.
The month of fun kicks off on Oct. 9, from 5-8 p.m., with Witches Night Out. Visitors are encouraged to wear their best pointy hats and black garb as they visit the Downtown shops, restaurants, and taverns that will be open late that night. Registration isn’t required, but if you register at LongGrove.org/October-Days, you might win gift cards and giveaways.
“It’s a nice shopping event for women,” Gayton noted.
Faul estimates that over 600 people will attend Witches Night Out this year. “It is really cool to see our entire town immersed with witches dressed to the nines,” she said.
From noon to 4 p.m. on Oct. 11, families can enjoy a DIY Scarecrow Day & Pumpkin Fest. For a $10 donation, they can reserve a scarecrow-building station at Brothers’ Field at LongGrove.org/October-Days. Bring clothes and accessories that you can stuff with straw that is provided, and your masterpiece will be displayed throughout the village all month.
A pumpkin patch will be located in Covered Bridge Park. “This year, we have partnered with The Mulch Center and they have generously donated pumpkins to our event,” Faul said.
There will also be a pumpkin carver at the park.
Gayton said that one of the highlights of the month is the “Guess the Weight” competition. “We have this giant pumpkin we display—one of these giant pumpkins that can weigh up to a thousand pounds,” he said. “Last year’s pumpkin weighed just shy of 600.”
Visitors will be able to scan a QR code to guess the pumpkin’s weight to a tenth of a pound.
“It’s sponsored by the Mulch Center,” Gayton said. “They’re giving away a $1,000 grand prize for whoever guesses the closest to the tenth of a pound.”
The Long Grove Historical Society will lead its fifth Ghost Walk, 6-9 p.m. Oct. 17. The family-friendly haunted tour will be led by guides who will share tales of Long Grove’s haunted history. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade. Reservations are required at longgrovehistory.org.
The Pet Costume Parade, which is always a favorite event, will be at noon on Oct. 19. After the parade there will be judging of pet costumes for best dressed, most unique, and judge’s favorite.
“Their costumes are fantastic,” Gayton reported, adding, “We are very family-friendly, dog-friendly.”
The celebration ends with Downtown Trick-or-Treating, 3-5 p.m. on Oct. 24. Participating downtown merchants will provide treats.
Faul concluded, “Our October Days really brings people together—families, communities, businesses, nonprofits, volunteers—and we really have a lot of fun celebrating the fall season.”
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.