We Americans spend $2.1 billion each year on Halloween candy, according to the National Retail Foundation. Costumes for kids rake in $950 million on average, with adult costumes bringing in even more retail bucks: $1.2 billion. For at least 14 suggestions about where to get mileage out of all those costumes, we’ve compiled a list of some local options.
Gardiner Halloween parade
The fourth annual Halloween costume parade in Gardiner takes place this Thursday, October 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. This event is intended for little ones young enough to be intimidated by larger Halloween celebrations.
Meet in the lower parking lot of the Gardiner Library at 133 Farmer’s Turnpike. Costumed kids and their parents will want to bring a flashlight or plastic pumpkin with battery-operated light inside to carry on the walk. The group will stroll through the hamlet, ending at the rail trail for sweet treats provided by Friends of the Library. The event is sponsored by the Gardiner Day Committee. Rain date is Friday, October 28, same time. For information call 255-7541.
Hurley Heritage Society ghost walk
This one is intended for adults and older children. Meet a hanged British spy, an axe-murder victim and a headless spook while touring Main Street, including the old burial grounds, in Hurley this Friday, October 28. Hear haunting tales of centuries past about former residents who perhaps never really left.
Dress warmly for the outdoor event and bring a flashlight. Cost is $10 for adults, $7 for kids ages 12 to 16. Not recommended for children under 12. Sponsored by the Hurley Heritage Society. Meet at the Hurley Reformed Church on Main St. Tours begin at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended. Call 338-7686 or visit hurleyheritagesociety.org.
Haunted Huguenot Street tours
This is another event for adults and older children. Tours are rated PG13. Tourgoers this Friday and Saturday, October 28 and 29 will visit four historic houses and the old burial ground for an interpretive tour of the historic landmark district. The annual event features new stories this year inspired by the legends and real history of Huguenot Street.
Explore the history of oppressed women in the past centuries and bear witness to the legendary story of a tormented mother and an unorthodox macabre wedding ceremony. Learn about sexist witch trials, kidnapped wives, mourning brides and the curse of infertility.
Meet at the Historic Huguenot Street visitor center in the DuBois Fort, 81 Huguenot Street, New Paltz. Tours begin at 5 p.m. and go out on the hour through the last tour at 9 p.m. Pre-registration is strongly recommended as tours sell out quickly every year. Tickets cost $25 with advance purchase, $20 for military personnel and seniors and $30 at the door the night of the event. For information and tickets call 255-1889 or visit huguenotstreet.org.
Wallkill Fall Harvest festival
Family-friendly daytime to dusk event on Saturday, October 29. Hayrides, crafts, face painting, kids’ games, pumpkin-painting, a bonfire and s’mores, a bake sale and musical entertainment will all be a part of the Fall Harvest Festival in Wallkill.
Children are encouraged to wear friendly costumes (not scary) for trick-or-treating. Meet at the picturesque Reformed Church of Shawangunk in the Bruynswick section at 1166 Hoagerburgh Road in Wallkill from 4 p.m. to dusk. Calling 895-2952 or visit the Reformed Church of Shawangunk on Facebook.
Po’town spooktacular!
The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum’s (MHCM) annual fall event “Halloween Spooktacular!” is scheduled for this Friday, October 28 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. This year’s event will feature a big red surprise guest and hands-on Halloween activities for families with young children.
Kids can partake in activities in the Slime Lab, and explore bugs at the Spooky Science Cart. Exhibits will be tricked out for Halloween fun and the event includes light trick-or-treating and light refreshments.
HalloWoodstock in High Falls
There’ll be a family-friendly daytime vegan event at the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary in High Falls on Sunday, October 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (The event also marks the last day the sanctuary is open to the public for the 2016 visiting season.) Kids are invited to wear costumes and trick-or-treat for vegan candies in the animal barns. The event includes hayrides around the property, pumpkin-painting and hot chocolate, desserts and other vegan eats and treats from food vendors.
Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids with advance purchase, $15 for adults and $10 for kids the day of the event (or wear a costume the day of the event and receive $5 off). Rain or shine. Woodstock Farm Sanctuary is at 2 Rescue Road in High Falls. Information is available at woodstocksanctuary.org.
Join the family! 
