Chicago, IL

The Halloween season has descended upon the city of Chicago with the annual Chicagoween event in Daley Plaza. For the festivities, which take place through Halloween night, Daley Plaza is transformed into a spooky mini-town, featuring creepy looking houses and story-telling tents. My favorite part is the way that that the turn the fountain in the plaza into a cool orange color.

The various events include “ghostly games” (Everyday at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday also at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.) and “WICKED story-telling” (Thursdays and Fridays, every hour from 3:00 p.m.-6:15pm and Saturdays and Sundays, every hour from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m & 6:15pm).

On weekends, you can decorate pumpkins from 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. The best part is that the pumpkins are free and supplies are provided for each child.

There will also be mask-making demonstrations by Inside Art Studio Thursdays through Sundays at 12:10 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. If you would rather try your hand at making your own mask, join the International Academy of Design and Technology on October 21st from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

This Saturday, October 20th, there will be the Halloween State Street Parade, which kicks of at noon at State and Randolph, goes south on State Street, West on Madison, North at Dearborn, ending at Daley Plaza at Dearborn and Washington.

Following the parade, candy will be distributed while supplies last. There will also be hayrides after the parade at the corner of Clark and Washington. I never heard of hayrides in a city before, but I guess it is possible. There will also be a children’s costume contest. Check here for ideas for costumes for little ones. The hot dog one is my favorite. Cast members from Wicked are expected to make an appearance following the parade

For more information, check out Chicagoween online.

Chicago, Chicagoween 2007, Wicked, Halloween, hayrides, pumpkin carving