Well, here we are at Halloween weekend, the end of fall sports (except for those who go on to playoffs–darn you , Waltham Hawks), and the beginning of the downhill run into darkness at 4 pm. Boo!!! No, time does not change this weekend–that’s next weekend. With a predicted rainout of everything oudoors tomorrow, you’ll be wanting to make plans for staying inside, or finding an indoor event, and then live large on Sunday. Monday is for bringing your leftover Butterfingers to Mrs Poras at the Field School, and deciding what to donate to the troops (there is a candy drive for veterans at the Middle School, and probably other schools too).

Here are some other ideas for your weekend:

Friday October 29, 2021

Grave Addiction Walking Tour of Cemeteries in Concord, 4:30 pm. Walking tour through two of Concord’s historic cemeteries to “explore death, dying, and burial customs in early America.” Sounds totally creepy. Tours begin and end at Concord’s Colonial Inn – Concord’s oldest (and most haunted) inn where you may definitely need a drink after this tour. As of now, 6 tickets left for tonight. Tours are run by Concord Tour Company, and also run on Saturday and Sunday. Book online @ http://www.concordtourcompany.com or by calling 978-399-8229

Spirits of the Old Manse, Concord, various times 5-8:30 pm. Join the Trustees for attic tours and tales of spirits at the Old Manse. Crafts for the kids, and spooky readings of Nathaniel Hawsthorne works. Reservations are necessary. More information here.

Saturday, October 30, 2021

Exotic Animals at Spellman Museum. Animal Adventures and Animal Rescue Center of Bolton will bring some exotic animals to the Spellman at 10:30 am . Animals could include an alligator, a large snake like a boa, a chinchilla, ferrets, bunnies, a hedgehog, some turtles, frogs and other reptiles. Advanced reservations are not needed but can be made by emailing info@spellman.org or call 617-784-5838 for more information. $5 adults, $3 children and seniors. Spellman Museum at Regis College, 241 Wellesley Street, Weston.

Halloween Fest at the Goodnow Library in Sudbury. 10 am-2 pm. This event is confirmed to be ON regardless of crappy weather, though some events have moved inside and there is no cider–the donuts are still ON. Crafts for different ages, a scavenger hunt, refreshments, a scarecrow competition, the unveiling of the new Library of Things, and more! Costumes are highly encouraged. More info here. The Goodnow is located at 21 Concord Road in Sudbury.

Sunday, October 31, 2021: Happy Halloween

First Parish Church Outdoor Harvest Fest & Trunk or Treat. 12-2 pm at First Parish Church of Weston’s Lower Parking Lot. Now, there is something I find vaguely bizarre about a church celebrating a pagan festival, but what do I know? It’s kind of like calling the Easter Bunny the Spring Bunny. Or not. Trunks of cars filled with festive Halloween decorations, candy or prizes, and kids go from car-to-car to “trick or treat” around the parking lot. Costumes are mandatory (oh, all right, the Church says “encouraged” but let’s be real. Dress up to get the treats. Seems fair). There will be sharp tools and scoopers available for pumpkin-carving and some “mid-size” pumpkins, You can also BYOP — bring your own pumpkin. Or potato. You do you. Hot apple cider, hot chocolate, and donuts will be served outside. First Parish Church is located at the Intersection of Doom at 349 Boston Post Road.

WCCA Halloween Parade, Weston Town Center, 10:30 am-12:30 pm. Calling all witches, superheroes, princesses and ghosts! Join us on October 31 (moved from October 30) for the return of the highly anticipated Weston Community Children’s Association Halloween Parade around the Weston Town Green, and trick-or-treating in front of Town Hall! At 10:30 am, you can decorate trick-or-treating bags before the parade. Parade begins promptly at 11am near the start of Town House Road. Families will then be welcomed to trick-or-treat in front of Town Hall where local businesses will be represented at decorative stations and Halloween goodies will be available. For more information, please see here.

Halloween and Ice Cream, 11-30-3 pm at Dairy Joy. Free kiddie cone for kids (up to age 14) in costume. It’s the final week of the Joy’s 60th season–get your swirls and twirls while you still can. Dairy Joy, 331 North Avenue.

Western Greenway 5K with the Waltham Land Trust. Race starts 1 pm, please register in person (online registration has closed). I admit that I am quite bitter at Waltham, a town I usually love, for ending the soccer team’s wildcard bid for the playoffs yesterday. I’ll get over it, and you definitely should too, because this is a beautiful race and supports the conservation of Waltham’s natural spaces. I fully expect a WFTA co-trustee who shall remain nameless to pass me in the last half mile again, and look great doing it. Great way to work off your Halloween candy. More information here. https://walthamlandtrust.org/western-greenway-5k/

Land’s Sake: final regular farmstand weekend, 10 am-3 pm Saturday and Sunday. The farmstand sustained substantial damange during this week’s storm but will open up (without the Fall Fest event) for the last two days of the regular season (smaller-sized farmstand will be open for at least two Saturdays in November). Support your local farm.

Halloween Around Weston. My experience is that afternoon trick-or-treaters start to show up around 4-5 pm, and we occasionally get some middle schoolers as late as 8:30 pm. There is no town better for dark and spooky Halloween night–and more than a few houses have gone for it! I have seen at least two spooky obstacle courses and Laurel Road has an awesome group of skeleton dogs in a kennel.

As mentioned in an earlier post, there are indeed the big-time Halloween neighborhoods in Weston. None of them will be mentioned here. Some of the best times can be found in your own neighborhood or nearby–your neighbors will love to see your kids and their costumes this year.

Here’s some ideas from the Owl on making your night more fun:

Trick–or-Treating Families: if after dark, it’s helpful for parents to wear reflective vests or tape, a headlamp and carry a flashlight. Weston roads are DARK. Don’t forget to make a plan for if you get separated from your littles–they should stay at the front porch perhaps of the last house you saw each other? You decide. If there is a crowd at the door, wait for them to disperse before heading up to the door for your Skittles and Reese’s. That reminds me–a teal-colored pumpkin means the house has nut-free treats, which is of course important for a surprisingly large portion of the population.

Community members: If possible, provide candy in a way that kids don’t have to reach into bowls, etc. If you run out of candy, it’s okay to turn off your lights and hide behind curtains. We get it, especially in the big draw neighborhoods. If you are driving, please be on the lookout for little goblins and Harry Potters and Vampirinas or whatever it is this year. Drive slowly. Sugar-fueled children are FAST!

Embrace the night, Weston! Halloween is back!