Celebrate fall with these events that have become a tradition
COSHOCTON COUNTY – Few could argue that there is anything more beautiful than autumn in Coshocton County. Celebrate the season with these two traditions that have been a staple of this county for many years.
The West Lafayette Halloween party has been an annual tradition for generations of area children. The party is held in Burt Park and has always been a popular event for children and parents who attend Ridgewood School District.
The annual event promises to be a fun time for children of all ages. There will be a variety of games and the ever-popular costume judging for kids and adults with the mayor and chamber president as judges. Costumes will be judged in each age category and prizes will be awarded to first place in each category. Awards are sponsored by the chamber. There will also be a cupcake walk and food and drinks for sale at the eat stand including pizza, hot chocolate, juice drinks, and water.
Try your luck bobbing for apples or see what prizes can be found in the witch’s cauldron that’s filled with rings, chocolate coins, and quarters. When children win at a game, they receive a ticket. When they leave, they can chose a prize based on the number of tickets they have. Kids can also take home a pumpkin from Darr Farms, sponsored by Jessie Tubbs at State Farm.
The West Lafayette Chamber sponsors the event each year and chamber members provide snacks for the kids’ treat bags.
“We’ve found in this day and age, some parents don’t let their kids go trick or treating and I think this is a safe experience for them so they’re not out on Trick or Treat night,” said Christie Patterson.
This year’s West Lafayette Halloween party will be from 2 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24.
After the Halloween party in West Lafayette, warm up over a bowl of chili at the 6th annual Parktoberfest in Warsaw at the River View Community Park.
“We’re excited to be able to continue this annually just like other events in the past,” said Jessie Fischer.
This is one of three annual fundraisers for the community park. Each year, residents from the area make a large batch of their famous chili for people to sample and judge for themselves who has the best chili in the county. There are usually about 10 to 12 people at the event serving up a sample of their famous chili recipe. Chili is judged in two categories: Judge’s Choice and People’s Champion.
The public will receive a voting token. Each type of chili will be given a number, and after sampling each chili, voters can write down the number of the chili they want to win. Three judges will do a blind tasting and vote on their favorite for Judge’s Choice.
The cost is $7 to enjoy all-you-can-eat chili. There will also be food for sale including bratwurst, hot dogs, soft drinks, and a beer garden. Children can enjoy face painting and pumpkin decorating as well.
“This has really worked out for us,” said Fischer. “Depending on the weather, it’s usually pretty warm during the day, but by the time we get to the end, it’s getting colder and that’s when people can build a campfire here and have a nice hot bowl of chili.”
The Parktoberfest will be from 4 – 7 p.m. on Oct. 24 at River View Community Park.
beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: People & Places
