With Halloween just around the corner, Hillsdale is busy gearing up for the holiday. The community offers many events both on Oct. 31 and leading up to it for adults and kids alike.
For family fun, the City of Hillsdale’s official trick-or-treating hours are 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, but the festivities start even earlier. The Hillsdale Community Library hosts its own public trick-or-treating event from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m., before community hours start, according to Library Director Rebekah Dobski.
“Our event is for any families that are ready to start trick-or-treating or to start the night of going out and walking around,” Dobski said. “We have candy and snacks for trick-or-treating, as well as little fun things that they can do. Last year, we had temporary tattoos and little Halloween games where they could win prizes. We also have donuts and cider when they are on their way out.”
Those 21 and older can enjoy the “Haunting in the Hills Halloween Bash” also on Halloween, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. at The 1910 Pub, located at The Hills of Baw Beese golf course. According to its website, this event will feature a live DJ, a costume contest, and discounted drinks.
The Hillsdale Brewing Company hosted a Halloween-themed bingo night Oct. 24, and the Hillsdale United Brethren church hosted its third-annual trunk-or-treat Oct. 25 to kick off the week of festivities.
HUB Children’s Director Alison Bahre said the event is a great way for the greater Hillsdale community to see the ministry that the HUB offers.
“We just want the community to feel loved and know that we’re here,” Bahre said. “We want to love on our community, and it’s really just a fun event for people to come out and spend time with their families and loved ones.”
Ellie Dice, a junior whose family has lived in Hillsdale for the past six years, said Hillsdale’s tight-knit community is on full display with all the Halloween events the town holds.
“I think, honestly, that trick-or-treating has become way less popular, and almost every church does a trunk-or-treat,” Dice said. “Generally, just throughout most of the world now, parents are scared, and trick-or-treating just doesn’t happen. But I think that communities — Hillsdale, especially — still value actually making the holiday something for the kids, and I think that speaks to how much everybody cares about making it fun and memorable.”
Dobski said Hillsdale’s strong community is visible during the holiday.
“Hillsdale is a very connected community,” Dobski said. “In the past, we’ve had almost 400 people here for the Halloween event, which is a lot of exposure to show people that we are here and to provide another fun opportunity for families.”
