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Not-So-Haunted Happenings at Parks and Recreation

Posted on: September 21, 2020 - 10:25am
not so haunted happenings flyer

Parks and Recreation Offering ‘Not-So-Haunted Happenings’ During the Month of October

East Hartford Parks and Recreation has some fun new family-friendly programs and activities coming up during the month of October!   All activities will follow social distancing guidelines and masks will be required.  All registered participants, pumpkin hunt winners and those who upload Fall photos will be entered into a drawing for some fantastic prizes at the end of the month.  For more information about any of these activities, please call the Parks and Recreation office at 860-291-7160 or visit us online at www.easthartfordct.gov. 

The Great Pumpkin Hunt:  October 1 - 31st
Parks and Recreation staff will hide pumpkins throughout town on weekdays during the month of October.  Clues and a photo of the location will be posted on our Facebook page at various times of day.   Residents are encouraged to follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ehparks to participate in this fun challenge to test your knowledge of our parks, by figuring out where the pumpkin is hidden, and being the first to find it and share a photo of it on our Facebook page.  At the end of the month, all winners will be entered into a drawing to win some fun prizes.  This is a free challenge, open to all ages and there is no registration required!

Festive Fall Photo Contest:  October 1 - 31st
Residents are invited to share their festive photos with us this fall!  We’d love to see any photos of our residents, including:

  • Costumes - kids, pets and/or family themes
  • Front Door Décor
  • Carved Jack-o-Lanterns
  • Spooky Decorations
  • Halloween/Fall Sidewalk Chalk Art

Photos must be uploaded on our website HERE by November 1st for a chance to win a prize!  Submitted photos may be used by East Hartford Parks and Recreation in future Parks and Recreation brochures, flyers, social media or other marketing materials, and may uploaded to our social media platforms and website.   

Family Paint Party:  Saturday, October 3rd
Our family paint party is open to residents of all ages, and no experience is necessary!  Each registered family member will receive a canvas, and our staff will provide printed instructions and all necessary supplies to create a harvest pumpkin masterpiece.  This event will be held at the Gorman Park Pavilion from 1-3pm on Saturday, October 3rd (in case of inclement weather, the rain date will be Sunday, October 4th.)  Participants will be required to wear a mask, and we recommend that children should wear a smock or oversized shirt.  This event is open to everyone, but all children must have an adult remain on site to provide supervision.  The fee is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 16.  Participants must pre-register online at www.ehparks.org.  Space is limited.    

Scarecrow Decorating:  Saturday, October 10th
East Hartford residents are invited to showcase their creative talents and decorate a scarecrow on the Town Green at Alumni Park!   Scarecrows will line the path through the Town Green.  This event is open to all ages, families, community and non-profit groups and businesses.  Scarecrows will be available to decorate on Saturday, October 10th from 10am-2pm (in case of inclement weather, the rain date will be Sunday, October 11th at the same time).  Registered participants will receive a number to identify their scarecrow location, and will be provided with a stake, a piece of burlap for the scarecrows head (or bring your own), and a pile of hay.  Participants should bring their own clothing, hats, and other scarecrow accessories.   Scarecrow stakes will be spaced out to allow for proper social distancing between participants.  This is a family-friendly event and scarecrows must be appropriate and dressed accordingly.  Scarecrows will remain outdoors so participants are to make sure everything is secured properly and is prepared for the elements.  Parks and Recreation is not responsible for any loss or damage that may occur.  All scarecrow decorations must be picked up by Wednesday, November 11th, or they will be discarded.  This is a free event!  Pre-registration is required and space is limited.  Those who are interested in participating must pre-register at www.ehparks.org or call our office at 860-291-7160.  

Pumpkin Decorating:  Saturday, October 17th
Our pumpkin decorating is open to residents of all ages and families.  This event will be held at the McAuliffe Park large pavilion on Saturday, October 17th from 1-2pm (in case of inclement weather, the rain date will be Sunday, October 18th).  Each registered participant will receive one pumpkin and decorating supplies, which may include paints, glue, glitter and more!  Come dressed to paint, create and have some festive fun!   The fee is $5 per person.  Pre-registration is required - space is limited.  Visit www.ehparks.org to register. 

Grab-and-Go Craft Kits:  Friday, October 23rd
Parks and Recreation staff will have FREE grab-and-go craft kits for East Hartford residents with seasonally-themed projects.  Kits will be available for pick up at the Parks and Recreation office on Friday, October 23rd from 9am-4pm.  Quantities are limited and kits must be reserved in advance.  Craft kits are best suited for ages 3+.  Visit www.ehparks.org to reserve your free kit. 

Scarecrow Stroll
Residents are invited to come tour our ‘Scarecrow Stroll’ through the Town Green/Alumni Park from October 11th through November 6th.    Or, view the scarecrows virtually on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ehparks at your convenience.

For more information on any of our programs, please visit us online at www.easthartfordct.gov/parks-recreation or call our office at 860-291-7160.