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It's no trick. A spooktacular good time awaits the ghosts, goblins and other fantastical creatures coming out for the official kickoff of Halloween this week as spooky, treat-filled events abound in Hope.

From haunted walking tours and hayrides to the return of Goodies, Goblins and Ghost Stories on the Hope Town Square, check out the following events for a memorable Halloween... 

Monday, Oct. 23

6 to 7 p.m.  BCPL Guided Tour of the Hope Moravian Cemetery

Presented in recognition of National Family History Month, the 2^nd Annual Guided Tours of Local Cemeteries, offered by the Bartholomew County Public Library, will offer a one-hour guided tour of the very unique Hope Moravian Cemetery, located at 202 Main St. in Hope. 

Library staff will offer stories and insight of the families buried at the cemetery during this self-paced walking tour. The event is open to individuals of all ages. Enjoy a cup of delicious apple cider as you explore and learn about Hope history. 

Please note, some of the stops on the tour do require walking on uneven ground. Parking is available on the Hope Town Square or at the Hope Moravian Church parking lot. 

** Rain day for this event is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25 **

** For more information about this event, visit BCPL online HERE or via Facebook HERE.

Tuesday, Oct. 24

Adult Halloween Costume Bingo Night, presented by the Student’s Fund of Hope

6 to 8:30 p.m. at WILLow LeaVes of Hope, 326 Jackson St. downtown.

Attendees are encouraged to come in costume – those who do get a free bingo card! A taco bar will be available for an additional fee.

Cost is $40 for one card and 15 rounds of bingo. Additional cards may be purchased at the event for (1) card for $5; (3) cards for $10 and (6) cards for $20.

Proceeds from this event go to benefit the SFOH. 

** For more information and tickets, visit SFOH online HERE.

Friday, Oct. 27

5 to 8 p.m. 

Goodies, Goblins and Ghost Stories 

From ghosts and goblins to princesses and superheroes, Halloween characters of all kinds will gather on the Square for the return of this free, family-friendly event. 

Attendees can look forward to a heap of frighteningly fun attractions, including the return of haunted hayrides, s’mores by the shelter house, pumpkin painting, ghost stories read by Library Dave, and goodies galore. Main Street of Hope will offer a variety of Halloween-themed games and there will be crafts at the library. WILLow LeaVes of Hope will have free hot dogs and drinks during the event while supplies last, adds event organizer Dave “Library Dave” Miller.

Debuting last year to much acclaim, the Hope Town Ghost Walk – a walking tour of haunted locations around the downtown area – is set to return, Miller says.

Trunk or Treat will be located on the south side of the Square this year, Miller adds.

 “I’m excited for it,” Miller says. “It’s a wonderful event. I am always humbled to be the event coordinator.”

** Those who wish to volunteer their time to help out with the event and/or Trunk or Treat are encouraged to call Dave Miller at 812-546-5676.

First Annual Pumpkin Walk, presented by Main Street of Hope

More than 100 carved pumpkins lighted with glow sticks will line the inside of the Hope Town Square. Pumpkins can be dropped off next Friday, Oct. 27 on the Square from 12 to 4 p.m. and can be picked up following the event. Leftover pumpkins will be donated to area farmers and UTOPIA Wildlife Rehabilitators. Pumpkin carving is open to all ages. 

** For more information about this event, visit Main Street of Hope via Facebook HERE.

Night at the Museum: A Haunted Tour of the Yellow Trail Museum, 640 Main St. downtown.

The zombie chickens may have retired, but the spooky fun has just begun as one of Hope’s favorite haunted attractions returns to the Yellow Trail Museum, located at 640 Main St. downtown. 

Organized and written by Hope’s Trina Newton – in collaboration with the Yellow Trail’s Jessica Deckard – this year’s haunting tale expands on some of the most memorable characters brought to life by Dave “Library Dave” Miller’s haunted tales. Featuring local actors from Hauser Jr.-Sr. High School, the 20 – 30-minute walking tours will be offered on a rotating basis during the three-hour long event.

Candy-filled gift bags will be available for those attending.

** For more information about the event check out the Yellow Trail Museum on Facebook HERE.   

5:30 p.m. Kids’ Halloween Bingo at the SFOH Hub, 321 Washington St. downtown.  (SOLD OUT)

Three free rounds of kids’ bingo will begin at 5:30 p.m. with subsequent rounds being offered at 6:15 and 7 p.m. Everyone who attends the event will walk away a winner as the event will offer lots of fun toys and prizes. 

Ghosts, goblins and other fantastical creatures who may not have snagged a seat are still encouraged to stop by the Hub as there will be goodie bags filled with hauntingly sweet treats available.  
 

Saturday, Oct. 28

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Black Cat Halloween Paint at the SFOH Hub, located at 321 Washington St. downtown.

Local artist Jessica Seelye will lead attendees in creating a Halloween-themed black cat masterpiece using acrylic paint on an 8X10 pre-sketched canvas.

Halloween treats and goodies will be available during the event.

Cost for the event is $15 per child and is recommended for children age 5 years and up.

** Sign up online via Jessica’s web site HERE.