Essex Parks and Recreation

Announcements & News

🎃 TODAY IS THE DAY! THE 26TH ANNUAL IVORYTON VILLAGE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL! 🎃

The pumpkins are ready, the costumes are waiting, and we're getting ready to light up Ivoryton Village!

Join us TODAY, Saturday, October 24, for a full day of family fun, community traditions, and Halloween magic!

START YOUR DAY WITH SOME HALLOWEEN FUN!

🎃 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Pumpkin Carving Party
Bushy Hill Nature Center, 253 Bushy Hill Road

Our final carving party! Pumpkins available while supplies last. Leave your masterpiece with us, and we'll transport it to the Ivoryton Village Green for tonight's display!

🍂 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Halloween Hike
Millrace Preserve

Join the Essex Library, Ivoryton Library, and Essex Land Trust for a free, family-friendly Halloween adventure featuring riddles, treats, and a take-home craft. No registration required!

THEN HEAD TO IVORYTON VILLAGE FOR THE MAIN EVENT!

👻 4:30 PM | Halloween Costume Parade

Everyone is welcome to join in the fun! Come dressed in your Halloween best and meet us at the corner of Walnut Street and Main Street at 4:15 PM. Our parade will be led by the beautiful horses of Allegra Farm and will end at the Ivoryton Village Green!

🎃 5:00 – 7:00 PM | IVORYTON VILLAGE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

Watch Ivoryton Village come alive with hundreds of glowing jack-o'-lanterns and enjoy:

Horse & Wagon Rides
Face Painting with Painted Smile
Tarot Card Readings with House of the Triple Moon
Cookie Decorating with the Circle of Friends
Festival Photo Moment with The Hosting Company
Trunk or Treat with the Ivoryton Village Alliance
Hot Dogs courtesy of the Essex Lions Club
Snacks sponsored by the Essex America 250 Committee, featuring Deep River chips, bottled water, and candy while supplies last
A few special surprises along the way!

✨ AND DON'T MISS OUR SPECIAL GUESTS AT 6:00 PM! ✨

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES!

While you're visiting Ivoryton, stop into our wonderful local shops and restaurants! Many are getting into the Halloween spirit with special offerings for festival visitors.

IMPORTANT FESTIVAL REMINDERS:

🚧 Summit Street closes at 3:30 PM, followed by Main Street at 4:15 PM for the parade and festivities. Please plan accordingly.

🎃 Carved pumpkins may be dropped off at the Ivoryton Village Green by 3:00 PM. Please place them anywhere on the staging. Pumpkin pickup begins after the festival, and we cannot be responsible for pumpkins left after 7:00 PM. Please only take pumpkins that belong to you.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU to our incredible community partners, sponsors, local businesses, volunteers, Town of Essex staff, and everyone who helps make this beloved tradition possible year after year!

We can't wait to see Ivoryton glowing tonight!

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