The Smith County Events Committee is at it again with their 3rd annual Hometown Halloween! Here is what they have in store for us this year: the iconic Maze that started it all, a Haunt area, a pumpkin carving contest, costume contest, pet costume contest, yard games, bounce houses, Slime-A-Ghoul fundraiser, and of course, Trunk-or-Treat.
You may have noticed Smith County Events Committee popping up earlier in the year with Shop Late Local and their first annual Back-to-School Bash where they supplied students all over the county with free school supplies. SCEC is a 501c3 under the umbrella organization Smith County Living. They are devoted to building community through hosting events for Smith County by Smith County residents. Money made from the Slime-A-Ghoul fundraiser at Hometown Halloween will go toward funding next year’s B2SB. They are recruiting Smith County schools’ teachers and staff to participate in the event. Similarly, they used funds from B2SB’s Soak-A-Candidate to stock the county ‘s school food pantries. However, upon stocking these pantries, they found some in disrepair or were gone altogether. To remedy this situation, they are hosting a Pumpkin Carving contest to raise funds to repair and replace the pantries as needed.
The Maze first popped up in 2020 when founder and chair of SCEC, Stephanie Winfree, set up in the parking lot on Main Street. The spark of Hometown Halloween and Smith County Events Committee. This Maze isn’t a knock-your-socks-off scream event. It’s just spooky enough to feel the season and fun for everyone. Now, if you’re looking for a good scare, you can wander over to the other side of the courthouse to find The Haunt. Run this year by SCHS Drama Club, The Haunt is not for the faint of heart or those sensitive to clowns or strobes. Enter if you dare!
In addition to all of the spooktacular activities we’ve already mentioned, there will also be two costume contests. One for creatures of the human variety and the other for our furry friends. The pet costume contest will be hosted and sponsored by Smith County Humane. Speaking of additions, last year, you all asked and they answered! There will be a map available with a Trick-or-Treat Trail through town! If you intend to hand out candy and would like to be included, you can register for the Trail via the link on SCEC’s Facebook page. Some of our local businesses will be open late to trick or treat us as well. Those participating will be marked on the Trick-or-Treat Trail.
But that’s not all! There will be ghoulish yard games and bounce houses for all the kiddos to enjoy. We are also in the works with a beloved local farmer to have a Not-a-“Hay” ride through town. Last but not least, of course we can’t leave out the candy! Trunk-or-Treat will be set up on Main Street starting in front of the Historic Courthouse.
Hometown Halloween is Monday, October 31st, from 4pm to 7pm on the Historic Courthouse lawn. Bring the whole family out to enjoy all the spooky festivities! You can find links to pre-register for contests on the Smith County Events Facebook page. Can’t wait to see you there!” (article submitted by Smith County Events Committee)
