CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago is buzzing with excitement this Halloween Thursday, as families and eager trick-or-treaters step out into the streets, ready to fill their bags with sweet treats and spooky surprises.
Elaborate decorations transform homes across the city, with residents showcasing their creativity through stunning Halloween displays.
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At Roseland Community Hospital, the annual Trunk or Treat event welcomed families from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., turning the parking lot on 111th Street into a festive space filled with laughter and candy.
A lively gathering in Aurora took place at Wilder Park from 3-5 p.m., featuring the city’s mayor, local firefighters, and police officers, all eager to hand out candy to the excited youngsters.
Englewood’s 7th District police department organized a Halloween fest that kicked off at 3 p.m. and ran until 6 p.m., creating a festive atmosphere at the Englewood Police Station located on 63rd Street.
Naperville’s Halloween in the Park event took place from 1-1:45 p.m. at the 95th Street Library Wagner Pavilion, offering fun activities to the local community.
The South Shore’s Hallowhood Night featured various Halloween-themed activities like pumpkin painting, a spooky “House of Horrors,” and a dance stepper’s set, with the Community Crawl running from 3-9 p.m. along the vibrant 71st Street corridor, organized by several local organizations, including Alderman Desmon Yancy and the Chicago Park District.
On the West Side, UCAN provided a free “Trunk or Treat” event for children of all ages and their families, offering an array of fun activities, including arts and crafts, laser tag, horse rides, free costumes, face painting, and delicious food. The event commenced at 4 p.m. at UCAN’s Drost Harding campus located at 3605 W. Fillmore St.
In Buffalo Grove, Rick Tadelman takes Halloween to new heights, dedicating months each year to create an awe-inspiring display in his yard that has grown significantly over the past three decades.
Tadelman believes that Halloween brings joy to everyone, stating, “When I have the Halloween display on at night and people come and visit, the adults like it just as much as the kids.” Each season, he manages to unveil new additions, boasting about 200 features throughout his property, which is filled with pumpkins and playful skeletons.
To accommodate the throngs of visitors to his street, Tadelman’s generous neighbors, Bill and Tricia Ballad, have found themselves purchasing more candy each Halloween. Last year, they handed out approximately 30 pounds of treats.
Bill Ballad recalls how trick-or-treating has changed since they moved next to Tadelman, saying, “In the past, we’d get 30-40 kids before we lived next to Rick. So it’s significantly more.” Tadelman admits that the cost of his display is substantial, though he willingly covers the expenses himself, supplementing his display with a collection bowl for charity.
Tadelman ensures that Halloween festivities include ample treats for trick-or-treaters, offering both full-size candy bars for the older kids and smaller candies for younger visitors, as well as gift cards for a free ice cream at Culver’s.
Halloween holds a special place in Tadelman’s heart, as he describes it as the highlight of the year, exclaiming, “Halloween is just a fun holiday.”
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**Interview with Halloween Enthusiast and Community Organizer, Samantha Green**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Samantha! With Halloween in full swing across Chicago, what has been the most exciting part of this year’s celebrations for you?
**Samantha:** Thank you for having me! This year has been particularly special because of how engaged our communities are. The creativity displayed in home decorations is breathtaking. It’s nice to see families come together and share their artistic flair while bringing a festive atmosphere to the neighborhoods.
**Editor:** Absolutely! Speaking of community engagement, many local events took place. Can you share some highlights from the activities that occurred around the city?
**Samantha:** Sure! The Trunk or Treat event at Roseland Community Hospital was fantastic; it really created a sense of unity and joy among families. Seeing children in costumes filling their bags with goodies brought so much excitement. Additionally, the event in Aurora with the mayor and local first responders gave kids a chance to interact with these roles while enjoying treats. It’s heartwarming to see our local leaders participating and emphasizing community spirit.
**Editor:** That’s wonderful! What can you tell us about the unique activities in different neighborhoods, like the “Hallowhood Night” in South Shore?
**Samantha:** Hallowhood Night was a blast! They had an array of Halloween-themed activities like pumpkin painting, a spooky “House of Horrors,” and even dance performances! Events like these create a vibrant sense of community, and the Community Crawl along 71st Street showcased the hard work and creativity of local organizations. It’s such a great way for families to come out, enjoy safe festivities, and mingle with their neighbors.
**Editor:** That sounds incredible! You also mentioned UCAN’s free “Trunk or Treat” on the West Side. What was the feedback from families who attended?
**Samantha:** The feedback was overwhelmingly positive! Families loved the variety of activities provided, from arts and crafts to laser tag. Offering free costumes and face painting was a hit, especially for those who may not have had the resources to buy costumes. It’s initiatives like this that reinforce community bonds and ensure everyone can experience the joy of Halloween.
**Editor:** As a long-time organizer yourself, what message do you want to share with those who may not be participating in Halloween activities?
**Samantha:** I’d love to remind everyone that Halloween is not just about candy; it’s about community connection, creativity, and inclusivity. Whether you’re decorating your home or organizing a small gathering, every little effort adds to the joy of the season. Embracing the fun can bring people together and strengthen our neighborhoods. Happy Halloween, everyone!
**Editor:** Thank you, Samantha! Your enthusiasm is contagious, and it’s lovely to see the community spirit flourishing this Halloween. Enjoy the celebrations!
**Samantha:** Thank you! Happy Halloween!