Mothman and one of the Men in Black made a special appearance at Valley Park for the Night Market.
Putnam County Parks got into the spooky spirit of the season this past week with two Halloween themed events.
On Thursday, October 23, the Fright Market was held at Valley Park in Hurricane. As the last Night Market of the year, this annual event serves as a grand finale for the vendor showcases which are held at the park throughout the summer and fall. The Fright Market is also the most popular of all of the seasonal markets, drawing the largest crowds.
Local businesses and community organizations gave out candy during the event, and children and their families lined up all the way around the convention center to go trick or treating. Each of the participating businesses and organizations had themed booths, with volunteers dressed up in matching costumes. Their creative efforts were judged in a contest for best booth design. Winners were Family Wealth Group, who won first place with their Hogwarts theme; Highley Blessed Realty, who won second place with a farm theme; Ashley Winfree, realtor at Property Elite, who won third place with a Toy Story theme; Creekside Church, who won Most Interactive with their 1950’s theme; A Plus Construction, who won Most Creative with their Frankenstein theme; and Walmart, who won Best Theme with a Wizard of Oz inspired booth.
In addition to filling up their bags with sweet treats, children could play carnival games, explore a haunted house, or listen to ghost stories with Bethany Adkins with the Putnam County Library. The Ghostbusters were on site with the iconic Ghostbusters car, and two different Mothmen lurked in the crowd. Guests were encouraged to dress in costume, and there were costume contests for all ages.
In addition to all of the Halloween themed fun, there were also over 40 vendors from which to shop. Musical entertainment was provided by the Scott Honaker Group.
Harvest in the Grove was held on Friday, October 24, at Mitchell’s Grove (formerly the Hometown Park). This event, which is part of an effort to revitalize the small roadside park, featured pumpkin painting and trick-or-treating at festively decorated booths which were sponsored by local civic organizations and churches. There were also contests for best costume and best booth.
The Saturday before Harvest in the Grove, Rivers to Ridges organized a clean-up day to help spruce up the park in preparation for the event. The large shelter was also dedicated to Jerry Ranson, the former caretaker of the park.
While Halloween will soon be over, Putnam County Parks has plenty of events planned for November. To keep up to date on upcoming events, follow Valley Park, WV on Facebook.
