The Halloween season is here and the city of Evanston is kicking it off with a series of ghoul-friendly events including one to get your bike-spokes spinning.
Friday films will set the tone for the weekend with a showing of “The Haunting.” Shown at 3 p.m. at the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave., the movie involves a team of parapsychologists attempting to learn the secret of a haunted house.
Teens can get in the Halloween spirit Friday night at the library’s loft with Halloween themed crafts, treats, pizza and games. Friday night gaming is open to teens between ages 13 and 18 and transportation home is provided.
Get some nourishment Saturday morning from the Farmers Market at the intersection of University Place and Oak Avenue. The market, with over 30 vendors, is hosting a special Halloween pumpkin crafts for kids to make decorations for trick or treat. The market runs from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Later on Saturday night, families can go on the Evanston Ecology Center’s annual Bug-A-Boo Halloween Walk. This family-friendly event features an outdoor Halloween walk through the Ladd Arboretum with costumed characters along the way and snacks at trail’s end. The walks begin at 20-minute intervals from 4 to 6:40 p.m. from the Ecology Center. Reservations are required and costs $4.50 per person.
Also on Saturday the North Branch Library will host a Halloween “Boo Bash.” Dance to the monster mash, enjoy freaky refreshments and play games. Dress in costume to join the parade through the “boooo”k shelves.
Embark in a once in a lifetime experience on Sunday morning by taking a bicycle ride on the freshly paved Ridge Avenue between 7 and 10 a.m. Ridge Avenue, which is closed to bikes at all other times, will be closed for vehicular traffic from Howard Street to Church Street to celebrate fresh pavement with a parade and snacks. Children in Halloween costumes will receive prizes.
Mayor Lorraine Morton will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at the intersection of Ridge Avenue and Howard Street and will be followed by a costumed parade by the Evanston Bicycle Club at 9:30 a.m. Local organizations and clubs will sell snacks and services at Ridgeville Park.
Bike the Ridge Corrections
Hey there,
Here’s a Bike the Ridge update:
Police will begin closing off Ridge Ave at 7 a.m. Riders can start at any place on Ridge, south of Church at 8 a.m., but the ribbon cutting will be at Howard and Ridge, also at 8 a.m. There will be traffic officers at the streets with lights: Oakton, Monroe, Main and Dempster.
All manner of bikes and trikes are welcome and encouraged. You can join the Bike the Ridge event page at Facebook and also post event photos there after the fact.