Littleton Harvest Festival Full of Ghostly Excitement
Calling all ghosts, goblins, and ghouls; beckoning the area’s finest princesses, pirates, and pixies. Community members and visitors alike are encouraged to enjoy the 5th Annual Gathering of the Jack O’ Lanterns on the Ammonoosuc River, with activities spanning from Friday, October 23rd to Sunday October 25th, including the chance to savor family-friendly Trick or Treating on Main Street, a haunted walk along the Ammonoosuc River, and more! Costumes are welcomed and encouraged for a day of community fun and excitement.
Friday night, take part in Jack O Lantern Carving Party at Littleton Bike & Fitness from 5 to 7 pm. Bring your own pumpkin, or carve one generously donated by Porfido’s Market & Deli! Brownie points for the most creative ideas! “We hope to have about 500 pumpkins on the river and the covered bridge this year,” says Dave Harkless, Gathering organizer and owner of the Littleton Bike Shop. “Many have helped put this together and hope that just as many will participate this year as well. We need Jack O Lantern donations, help setting up pumpkins, and cleaning up the next day.” Already carved a pumpkin and want to see it on the River? Jack O Lantern donations are welcomed and appreciated, and the already carved pumpkins may be dropped off at the Littleton Bike & Fitness.
Then on Saturday, the fun kicks off at 10 am with the Annual Littleton Police Department Halloween Festival at the Littleton High School for grades K-6. Attendees can look forward to a pumpkin carving contest, Bobo T. Clown’s magic tricks and balloon animals, and snacking on donuts and cider. Participants are encouraged to bring a ready to carve pumpkin (scooped out) as there will be a limited number of pumpkins available on a first come first serve basis. Then, head to the 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off from 1 pm to 2 pm at the Littleton Food Co-op to try delicious chili- both traditional and unique!
On Main Street, family-friendly trick or treating begins at 2 pm and ends at 4 pm. Hungry trick-or-treaters can head to participating merchants to receive spooky treats while parents browse the shelves. Be warned, if you see a skull and crossbones in the window, this means the storeowner has graciously bowed of the treat giving, so please abstain from bringing wily trick-or-treaters inside. Stop by Littleton Bike and Fitness to become a zombie for the night!
Dusk ‘til Dark (around 6 pm – 9 pm) – Head to the River to seeing the ultimate Gathering of the Jack O Lanterns. Enjoy delicious food from the Senior Center and other local vendors. Get scared by heading down the haunted Riverwalk (this year, spookier than ever!), hosted by Littleton Parks & Recreation with scary scenes to frighten even those still of heart (parents, be advised!). Howl at the moon while enjoying a bonfire built and lit by the Littleton River District Commission and exciting fire-dancers.
Anytime the mood hits, the Littleton Area Chamber of Commerce encourages participants to try one of Littleton’s fantastic local eateries, or as the Gathering winds down, head to Schilling Beer Co., Miller’s Cafe & Bakery, Bailiwick’s Fine Restaurant and Martini Bar for libations
The fun doesn’t end on Saturday- wake up and hit the Littleton Senior Center for a delicious autumnal breakfast buffet with delicious eats and treats! All proceeds go to the Littleton Senior Center’s mission to be “the” gathering space for older citizens in the North Country, as well as their incredible outreach programs. Then, stick around to witness, the first ever Pumpkin Trebuchet in Littleton’s known history will be launching leftover Jack O Lanterns who gathered on the River the night before. Prizes given for farthest distance and more!
Print his year’s SPOOK-TACULAR Schedule by visiting: bit.ly/gatheringschedule15
