Annual ‘Scarecrows in the Park’ fall festival happening Oct. 19

Dingman Township will be celebrating the season with its annual Scarecrows in the Park event. According to the township’s Park and Recreation Department, this event will be one of the biggest yet, offering a free community day and evening event all on the same day.

On Oct. 19, starting at 2:30 p.m., families can enjoy free popcorn, cotton candy, face painting, a caricature artist, an obstacle course, games, a treasure hunt, and the MUDITA video game lounge. Grab a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch while supplies last. There will also be a spooky trail, free goodie bags, and two costume contests in the day and night event, for cash prizes and more.

The pirate ship will be open for a scare. The annual scarecrows competition should be one for the books this year with cash prizes. If you would like to compete, please reach out.

There will be food by locals, DDLL and Johns of Arthur Ave., and loads of vendors, as well as live music by John Paul & the Road for your entertainment, and Trunk or Treat.

During the evening event, a party will take place on the pirate ship. Enjoy popcorn and snacks while dancing to the Spooky Sounds with DJ Juandizimo. Watch the fire show and chill by the bonfire with a cup of hot chocolate.

These events will run from 2:20 p.m. through 10 p.m. This will be the department’s last event of the season.

“We would like to thank all our sponsors. Dirham Brothers, 84 Lumber, and Lowes for their generous donations so we could build our ship, and the volunteers Jake Manning and Frank Gorman from FSG Decking and Siding who helped build it,” event coordinator Christopher Irving said. “We would also like to thank Charles Kannenbecker, JJ Riffle, MHE, MSOC, Lifetime Construction, Blueridge Tree Services, Dingmans Bridge, Kids Play Today, Cooler Travel, Ryan’s Deli and Stroyan Funeral Home, and our many sponsors throughout the season. Without their generosity, this could not have been the success it has.”