As Halloween approaches, there’s no better time to explore the spooky, festive fun Marple has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of haunted houses, pumpkin patches, costume contests or eerie ghost tours, there’s usually something for everyone to enjoy during this frightfully fun season. You might be surprised at how many ghoulishly good options are right around the corner.
The Halloween holiday has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
The Marple community always offers plenty of opportunities to celebrate Halloween. From dressing up and gathering at trunk-or-treats to neighborhood parties and school parades, festivities often start weeks before the actual holiday.
Culbertson Elementary will be holding its annual Pumpkin Festival on October 25. Culbertson Elementary School’s Pumpkin Festival is the school’s biggest event of the year. Thanks to generations of parents, teachers and principals, it’s been a tradition since 1962. Families in the community are welcome to come by from 11am-3pm. There will be games, inflatables, music and more.
From 4-7pm on October 25 you can Trick or Treat with the Newtown Square Fire Company. Join them for an evening full of trick-or-treating, fire prevention demonstrations, food trucks, family and fun! Local businesses will be giving out candy and non-candy goodies and there will also be a quiet sensory area.
On Sunday, October 26, Marple Township will be holding their Annual Trunk & Treat from 5-6:30pm at the Marple Township Building at 227 S. Sproul Road. Come enjoy food trucks, a DJ and fire trucks. Registration is ONLY required for residents who will be handing out candy, and information will be located on the township website and Facebook.
If you’re looking for Halloween themed story hours and sing-alongs this month, the Marple Library will be hosting a few.
Be sure to check out their social media for more details. The Marple Libray’s TAB (Teen Advisory Board) volunteers will also be participating in the Marple Township Trunk or Treat.
If you want to check out the spookiest houses in Marple and beyond, use the FrightMaps App. This free app is the creation of Marple Newtown High School grad Mike Kane. Anyone with an elaborate holiday display can upload a photo of their house with a title, brief description and location. For people looking for Halloween displays, the app’s built-in map shows where these attractions are. Just tap an icon and the information pops right up. The app also allows visitors to “like” the display and even add comments. “FrightMaps is a round-up of every major Halloween display in America and features home haunts, the biggest attractions and a place to post and view some pumpkins!” explained Mike.
There is no shortage of fun Halloween-themed activities in our community. Whether you’re looking to chill at home with a scary movie, or a thrill out on the town, Marple has plenty of Halloween activities to ring in the spooky season. Visit our calendar of events on pages 18 & 19 for more Halloween and fall-themed events.