The rain didn't stop hundreds of Region locals from trick-or-treating at Lake Station's Riverview Park. This event has been around since the 90s and continues to grow, with this year reaching over 500 tickets in presale. That doesn't count the hundreds of people lined up to buy tickets on-site the night of.
They had food from the park itself but local food trucks and vendors came out as well. Local companies like Centier Bank, Lake Station Parks and Recreation, Civil Air Patrol, the local fire department, the police department, and many more handed out candy and aided in setting up and running the event. They had several haunted houses, hayrides, and a DJ to bring locals a night of fun.
Lake Station Chief of Staff, Adrian Vera loves seeing all the hard work he, his team, and the park did, paid off with the happy families.
"It's a little event to bring the kids out to the park, run around, and get some candy at different stations," said Vera. "We love seeing all the kids of our community come through here in costume, and that's just our favorite part."
New Lake Station local Laura Pethes went to Halloween In the Park for the first time this year and was very happy with the outcome and plans to come next year.
"It's a good turnout, and it's something really nice that the city does," Pethes said. " I like to do stuff like this with my kids and anybody that's not here, should be here."
Events like this are not only important for the locals but the Lake Station community and those who run it.
Lake Station Mayor Bill Carroll (Mayor Bill) says this event is one he looks forward to every year.
"Anytime that we could do something for our citizens, our community, it's a blessing. It's what being a public servant or a public official is all about to me," Mayor Bill said. "Every year the costumes get better. The crowd gets bigger and I just love it."
Events like Halloween In the Park take a lot of time and preparation to ensure it runs smoothly and safely, but the smiles on the locals' faces make it worth it every time. This event is for the community by the community.
"I can't stress this enough. The help from the citizens in the community, the civic groups, and all of our departments is what makes this event happen" said Mayor Bill.
Mayor Bill believes they succeed as a team and fail as a team and that's why Lake Station brands itself as "#TeamLakeStation". They believe what they put into their community they get out of it, that is why all proceeds from Halloween In the Park goes back into the community and future events.
"It's all a team. Without the team, we wouldn't be able to be successful," said Mayor Bill. "If one of us fails, we all fail and if one succeeds, then we all succeed as a community."
Lake Station Halloween in the Park is a family-friendly event that allows community locals to safely trick-or-treat and get into the spirit of Halloween. If you didn't attend this year, you should definitely add it to your calendar next year.
Lake Station Chief of Staff Adrian Vera and Mayor Bill wanted to give credit and a special thank you to the community, and all those who came out and helped set up Halloween In the Park. Without a giving community and an awesome group of volunteers and departments, this event couldn't happen. Thank you.
To learn more about next year's Halloween in the Park or future Lake Station events you can visit: https://www.lakestation-in.gov/
