Monster Mash a Greenwood graveyard smash

Greenwood officials have planned a pair of Halloween activities so much fun, it’s scary.

The annual Monster Mash, where costumed attendees can walk down a candy-laden trail to collect treats and take part in a variety of activities, gets the party started on Friday.

Then on Oct. 29, the community will gather in Old Town Greenwood for the Halloween Parade, featuring decked out floats, costumed performers and other entertainment.

Taken together, the two events provide a perfect opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the season in a fun way,” said Rob Taggart, director of Greenwood Parks and Recreation.

“It’s purposeful — it’s the reason we do what we do,” he said. “Putting on events like this, you get that community engagement, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

The Monster Mash is a longtime Greenwood tradition. Situated along Craig Park’s Play Pocket Trail, people can visit vendors along the trick-or-treat trail while enjoying music, hayrides, bounce houses and more.

General admission is free to the public, and starts at 6 p.m. Parking will be available at the corner of Meridian Street and Surina Way.

The following weekend, the city will again unveil the Halloween Parade. Created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the parade was a chance for the community to come together in a socially distant, safe way.

“People loved it, and we love it because it activates downtown as well as engaging people. It stuck. It resonates and the community loves it,” Taggart said. “We encourage people to support the theme of Halloween, dressing up floats and families wearing costumes.

The parade route starts on Washington Street near Craig Park, and heads north to Broadway Street, west to South Smart Street, south to East Pearl Street, and then east to Meridian Street. From there, the parade goes south to Surina Way, where it ends.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to wear costumes and line the parade route for even more trick-or-treating.