‘A tradition for many families’: Hundreds get in the Halloween spirit at Midway Village Museum
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — History turned haunted on Saturday for Midway Village Museum’s annual Halloween-themed celebration.
Hundreds of costumed kids trick or treated through the museum’s Victorian-era village, where 30 building sponsors decked out their digs with creepy characters and other spirited displays.
The event, called All Hallows Eve, was estimated to draw more than 3,000 people to the museum campus at 6799 Guilford Road.
“Our whole community comes to this event, and it’s really a tradition for many families,” said Patrick O’Keefe, Midway’s executive director. “It’s really fun to see people coming back and making it a part of their fall routine.”
Related: Your guide to Halloween in the Stateline area
There was also a costume contest, folk tales told in the 1850s-era barn, potato sack races, outdoor bowling, food and other activities. The event has been a Midway tradition since 1987.
“This really is a great chance to expose new families to our community, or folks who have never come to Midway before,” O’Keefe said. “They’re usually coming because their kids want to come in costume and have a fun day, but it really gives us a chance to showcase what else we have to offer and have them come back for a different experience with our interpreters or more a more educational event.”
Related: Looking for free Halloween fun? Here’s a roundup of free trunk-or-treat events in the area
More photos | All Hallows Eve
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.
