Greenwood officials are planning an community event that’s sure to be a graveyard smash.
On Friday evening, costumed kids (and kids at heart) will overrun Craig Park in spooky solidarity. They’ll trick-or-treat along a designated route, receiving candy from community partners and volunteers. Food trucks on hand are set to serve up more substantive food, with music, hayrides and more adding to the festive spirit.
All together, it’s become one of Greenwood’s most popular events.
The annual Monster Mash will welcome hundreds of participants of all ages to get in the Halloween spirit. Running from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, the idea is to give the community an opportunity to gather, get some treats and enjoy the season together in one of the city’s nicest parks.
For organizers, Monster Mash is a time to come together for fun in the spirit of the season.
“It’s a great seasonal event for the community and for the city,” said Rob Taggart, executive director of Greenwood Parks and Recreation. “It’s a great way to celebrate fall, a great way to celebrate Halloween.”
The event is a longtime October tradition in Greenwood, which brings people to a curated trick-or-treat experience situated near the event lawn at Craig Park. Parks employees have adorned the trail with festive decorations and not-so-scary spooks to get everyone in the mood for Halloween.
As with other popular parks department events, such as the Freedom Fest and the summer concert series, Monster Mash is a chance to showcase the city’s amenities while enjoying a good time.
“We like events that bring the community together to have a little bit of fun. People can dress up, and we’ll have a lot of activities for them to do during the time,” Taggart said.
Organizers have once again brought back the hayride, which transports people along a looped route around Craig Park. The parks department, Greenwood Police Department, Greenwood Fire Department and Festival Country Indiana will all have stops along the route.
Parks staff have also tweaked some aspects of the celebration, in terms of layout of activities.
“The event lawn will be host to food trucks, all of our partners will be down there for trick-or-treating, we’ll have some bounce houses and a DJ down there as well,” Taggart said.
General admission is free to the public. A VIP option is available, which offers early entry from 4:30-6 p.m. and one free food voucher, redeemable at any food vendor on-site at the event. VIP wristbands are $10.
For those involved with it, Monster Mash is one of the more fun and festive events of the year.
“All the staff enjoys it. We participate as well, get dressed up as something different each year. We get engaged, the kids love it,” Taggart said. “It’s always fun to see all the community participate in the event.”
IF YOU GO
Monster Mash
What: A seasonal Greenwood event which features trick-or-treating, music, food and other activities.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Craig Park, 10 E. Smith Valley Road
Cost: Free. A VIP option is available for $10, which features early entry from 4:30-6 p.m. and one free food voucher to be used by any food vendor on site at the event.
Information: greenwood.in.gov
