By Brooke Geery
Rutland
The parade may be cancelled, but that’s no reason to stay home. There’s plenty to do in Rutland on this spookiest Saturday of the year.
Start your day at the Farmers’ Market in Depot Park. From there, enjoy the Halloween Parade decorated windows, and take a stroll to see the Rutland Art Ramble storefronts displaying work by artists and creatives, all the while enjoying music on Center Street, Merchants Row, West Street, and Wales Street. There will be candy treats as well!
Musicians performing in downtown include Steven Wilson, Wayne Canney, Phil Henry and Chazz Canney.
“This is made possible by a collaboration between The Carving Studio, The Mint, 77Art, Paramount Theatre, and Chaffee Art Center, who received a VT Marketing Stimulus Grant for the arts,” said Chaffee executive director Sherri Birkheimer Rooker. “It’s about encouraging everyone to support artists, creatives, musicians, arts organizations, and all involved in the arts.”
Want to get a little closer to nature? It’s not too late to challenge yourself with Hathaway Farm’s huge corn maze, open until 9 p.m. on Halloween. It is located at 741 Prospect Hill Rd in Rutland.
Within the 12 acre maze you’ll find clues, smart phone options, punches to try and find, a relaxing grassy knoll to enjoy and four big bridges that lift you up so you can see over the corn field! There are some early exits too, so you can “escape” if need be.
For the kids, check out the mini maze, which includes a story walk and fun finger game. The play area has all kinds of farm games including the Giant Corn Pit, John Deere Pedal Go Carts, Sand Pit, tether ball and more. While you’re there, visit the animals in the livestock barn too.
And that’s not all. Rutland Recreation, located at 71 Clement Road in Rutland, is holding a community costume stroll. At this safe and socially distanced event, local organizations will have spooky displays and handout prepacked treat bags! Participants are required to wear a mask at all times during the event, and registration is required.
There will be three sessions and a maximum capacity of 100 participants for each session. Registration is available through Sign-Up Genius and will close when each session is filled or on Oct. 29 at noon.
For those who prefer to stay in their car, a drive-by Halloween will also be offered. To participate, you must preregister and let them know how many treat bags you would like. They will deliver them to your car as you drive through the parking lot at the Community Center.
Finally, cap off your evening with a fireworks display over the Rutland Fairgrounds. Paramount Theater and the Vermont State Fairgrounds have teamed up for Boo-m! A Fireworks Spooktacular. Gates open for infield parking at 6 p.m. They ask you observe all social distancing practices, including use of a mask if further than an arm’s length from your vehicle.
Killington
For some adult fun on Halloween, head to Killington. The recently opened Still on the Mountain is holding a “Still Spooky Dinner,” beginning at 3 p.m. Join them for a pre-fixe $35 Halloween three course meal. They will be offering a special Halloween menu and cocktails. Costumes are welcome, but not required. Reservations, however, are required so call 802-422-8200.
Then cap off your evening with a Halloweed Mask-erade at Jax Food & Games. Wear your spookiest, scariest or most creative mask, because the winner of the best mask contest will win a Killington Merchants Pass. Plus, Jenny Porter and Tony Lee Thomas will provide live music for the occasion.
