By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The Decatur Chamber of Commerce and Callithumpian Committee have released dates for numerous Callithumpian Week events coming up next month.
It begins with an early start for the Callithumpian Canter & Fun Run scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 8. It will be held on the Rivergreenway, the one-mile fun run to start at 1:30 and the 5K run set to go off at 2.
Part of the Adams County Run/Walk Racing Challenge Series, the runs are open to all ages.
A popular event for youngsters, the 42nd annual Rotary Poster Painting Contest, is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 26, at Riverside Center. Kindergarten, first and second grade students will paint from 5:45-6:45, then the third, fourth and fifth graders will do their art work from 7-8.
Oct. 13 at noon is the deadline to register. Registration forms will be available at all area schools, Adams Public Library, Chamber office, and Decatur Daily Democrat.
Several events are set for Saturday, Oct. 28.
Park Trick-or-Treat will be held at Worthman Field from 1-3 p.m. The event is for pre-school and elementary students who are urged to come in costume for safe trick or treating.
Pumpkin Palooza, for kids 4 to 12 years of age, will be held at American Legion Cannon Park from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Scheduled are pumpkin decorating, pumpkin faces, and pumpkin rolling.
Cost will be $3 per child, which will include two mini pumpkins, face painting and games. Snacks will be available.
Organizers say the first 50 people are guaranteed participation.
Billed as family-friendly, Creatures of the Night will begin at 6:30 and run to 8 p.m. on the west end of the REV Sports Complex.
Also that night, from 8:15 to 10 p.m., the Callithumpian Fireworks will be held at Riverside Center. It’s being billed as “bigger than ever!”
Rain date will be the same time the next night.
The following Monday will bring the “capper,” the Callithumpian Parade, starting at 7 p.m. from the Bellmont/Stratton Place area and winding its way through downtown.
A final big event will follow on Tuesday, Trick-or-Treat Night, 5:30 to 7:30. Officials ask that children under the age of 14 be accompanied by an adult.
ALSO: A popular, non-Chamber event, a Haunted Trail, will be open over four nights: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 13 & 14, and 20 & 21.
Sponsored by the City of Decatur, with proceeds going to the parks and rec department, the Haunted Trail proved to be hugely popular when held for the first time last year.
Meanwhile, Haunted Nights at the Dugan Mansion in Decatur will begin Oct. 6-7 and be held every Friday and Saturday, 7-10 p.m., during the month.
Admission will be $5 per person, and organizers say the haunted mansion is not recommended for children 5 years of age and under.
The Dugan Mansion, which is the Adams County Historical Society’s museum, is located at 420 Monroe St., between Fourth and Fifth streets in Decatur. Haunted Decatur Wagon Tours will also be held each Friday and Saturday in October, but the popular event is already sold out.