Harrison Park will again host downtown Ellijay’s trick-or-treat festivities, as well as other events this month.
Since Halloween falls on Sunday this year, Harrison Park will hold trick-or-treating Saturday, Oct. 30. It will last from 1-4 p.m.
“It gets people home before dark and gives them an opportunity to trick or treat in their neighborhoods if they want,” said Linda Lancaster, of Friends of Harrison Park.
Lancaster said last year was the first time that Friends of Harrison Park hosted the community trick-or-treating, which was previously done in front of businesses around the downtown square. Almost 2,000 kids and more than 1,000 adults attended, she noted.
“We kind of picked up the ball because we realized it wasn’t going to happen downtown (last year), and I’m glad we did. I think there’s just a general feeling that it’s safer to do it at the park because there’s no traffic once you’ve parked your car,” Lancaster said. “Ellijay Life is also sponsoring this along with us, and they’re great partners. We’re appreciative of them sharing in the planning and responsibility because it is a big job.”
The park friends begin their annual Scarecrow Invasion this week. The array of decorated scarecrows made by local organizations, businesses and individuals will be up at the park through October, and all are welcome to stop by and vote for their favorites.
“It’s our third year for the scarecrows, and we love having them up for a month. They’ll be lined around the trail in the park, and we’ll have a ballot box where you can vote for your top three favorites. It’s one vote per person, but, if you come every day, you can vote every day. It’s free and a great way to get people out and about,” Lancaster said.
A moonlight walk will offer a nighttime look at the scarecrow display Friday, Oct. 15, from 6-9 p.m.
“It’s a nice little family outing and an opportunity for people to bring their kids later in the day. We’ll serve hot chocolate and have volunteers with flashlights to walk along with them,” Lancaster said.
Chili cooks and tasters are needed for the park’s next Chili Challenge Saturday, Oct. 23, at 11:30 a.m.
The first chili cookoff was held in 2019, but the event was skipped last year. Now it’s back on track to become an annual fundraiser for Friends of Harrison Park, noted Lancaster.
“It’s pretty much open to anybody who can get their 6-8 gallons of chili, a table and a tent, (including) individuals, businesses and churches. We’re asking our participants to bring everything they need, but we will provide ladles, cups, spoons and napkins. They need to bring their own setups and their own chili,” said Lancaster.
A $6 admission fee will provide cookoff attendees six four-ounce chili tastings. The chili entries will be judged and winners will receive $100 for first place, $75 for second and $50 for third, Lancaster noted.
“We’re hoping to raise some funds that we can put into our programs and our efforts to enhance the park,” she added.