MANSFIELD — Richland County residents may soon see an influx of superheroes, horror film characters and pint-sized celebrity lookalikes.
That’s right, folks. Halloween is around the corner.
Since the night of ghosts and goblins falls on a Saturday this year, most towns in the area are having trick-or-treat on Oct. 31.
But the fun begins early in some parts of the county, including Ontario, which is having its first Community Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 24
For a full list of trick-or-treat times, Halloween parades and other village and city-sponsored fall events, check out our full rundown below.
Looking for something a bit spookier? Check out our north central Ohio fright guide here.
Richland County Trick-or-Treat times
Bellville: Oct. 29 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Bellville’s parade is on the same day as trick-or-treat, beginning at 7 p.m. Participants should line up at the corner of Ogle Street and Main Street at 6:30. A costume contest will follow at the bandstand.
Butler: Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m.
The village and the Worthington Township Fire Department will co-host a costume contest at the fire station at 20 E. Elm Street at 7 p.m. Hot dogs and cider will be served.
Lexington: Oct. 29 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Lucas: Oct. 19 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The Halloween parade begins on Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. The rain date for both trick-or-treat and the parade is Oct. 31, times would be the same.
Mansfield: Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Downtown businesses will offer trick-or-treating from 11 a.m. to noon on Oct. 31.
Ontario: Oct. 31 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The inaugural Community Fall Festival will take place Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Marshall Park, hosted by Ontario Youth Sports. The event will offer a live DJ, food trucks, a pumpkin-carving contest, face painting, kids games and a rubber duck regatta.
The rubber duck regatta will serve as a fundraiser for future community events. Ducks will be available for sale and the winner will receive $1,000. The regatta will begin at 2:30 p.m.
The event will also feature pie baking and pumpkin carving contests. Pie judging begins at 11:30.
A decorated golf cart parade led by the Ontario High School Marching Band will begin at 12:30 p.m. The Ontario High School Jazz Band will perform at 1:15 p.m. at the bandshell.
Participants in the contests and parade are asked to register ahead of time, if possible. Register for the pie baking contest and/or parade by emailing tarin@oysports. Register for the pumpkin carving contest at rick@oysports.com.
Shelby: Oct. 31 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
The Halloween parade is Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. Line up time is at 1:30 at the Boulevard. The parade is open to seasonally decorated cars, floats and walkers in costume, but prior registration is required. The deadline to register is Oct. 27. Registration forms can be dropped off at the high school; participants can also register through an online form here.
The parade will exit the Boulevard onto Main Street. They will continue toward downtown on Main Street until Gamble Street where they will turn left. The parade will end at the corner of Gamble Street and Tucker Avenue.
Shiloh: Oct. 31 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Plymouth: Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Plymouth Improvement Committee will also be hosting Boo on Broadway during trick or treat hours.
The event is free and open to the public. Visit downtown Plymouth for trunk-or-treat along West Broadway, stop by area business for some candy or grab something fresh from the food trucks onsite. The event will also offer music, games and children’s activities, and photo ops, according to the event Facebook page.
The Halloween Glow Parade and costume contest begins at the Plymouth Legion Post 447 at 7:15 p.m. Punch and cookies will be available for kids.
