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Winchester hosts several festivals, trunk-or-treat events and more during Halloween each year.

Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation (WCCPR) can be depended on once more to involve others in the opportunity.

This weekend, October 27-28, WCCPR presents its 2023 Halloween Festival.

“The Halloween Festival is meant to be…an all-in-one, Halloween fun for families [and] for children”, said Tiffany Fletcher, assistant program Director for WCCPR.

The event, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day at 15 Wheeler Avenue, costs $10 per individual for entrance.

Tickets can be purchased online at wccpr.recdesk.com.

Much can be utilized during the event to entertain kids and adults.

For example, both a haunted house and a haunted pool will be featured.

While the haunted house incorporates scare actors made up of several volunteers, the haunted pool utilizes WCCPR’s indoor facility.

“It’s really neat”, Fletcher added. “You get into a little jon boat. You go around our pool’s perimeter. Our friends that practice scuba diving…help out. They’ll wear masks and come out of the water at you.”

Attendees can also expect to find George Rogers Clark High School’s Beta Club members volunteering, along with local scouting troops.

To coincide with the fall season and Halloween atmosphere, attendees can indulge in popcorn and apple cider.

Several inflatables can provide excitement, as can games, pumpkin painting, and more.

With many games or other activities, competitors and contestants can earn prizes.

Individuals who want to capture memorable moments from the event have the option since a photo backdrop will be present.

In past years, many have used the advantageous festival to dress up and show off their costumes.

Creativity has been a hallmark of the event.

“The haunted house always has a theme”, Fletcher added. “There’s noises and there’s lights. We always walk through, and I completely forget which part of the building I’m even in…[and] I work out there six days a week. There’s all this cool, creative stuff happening.”

Though working as staff, Fletcher and others also find personal satisfaction in the event.

“My favorite thing about it is…we know [the kids] are all in one area of the gym. You know that your kid is safe and indoors from the weather”, she said. “You know that they’re having good three-and-a-half hours if they stay the whole time. That, for me, is the biggest benefit!”

WCCPR wishes to thank the community for their input and attendance.