JACKSON, Wyo. — This Halloween there’s a barrage of fun and spooky festivities, including the Halloween-themed 49er Ball, Town Trunk-or-Treat and Pet Parade, Trick-or-Treat on Town Square and Dornan’s Pumpkin Patch.
Trick-or-Treat on Town Square
After last year’s cancellation due to COVID, the Chamber of Commerce brings back trick-or-treating on the Town Square on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
Children and parents make the annual circle around the square donning alter-ego-like costumes during the biggest trick-or-treat in the valley, according to the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce.
“We are very excited to bring back trick-or-treat on the Town Square and the costume contest for all ages and families this year,” Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Special Event Manager Navarre Heard said. “We love it and we know the community loves it. The businesses do a great job and are so welcoming to trick-or-treaters.”
Town Square businesses will pass out candy from 3:30 to 5 p.m. A judged costume contest will be pushed to 4:30 p.m. on Town Square proper, in order to accommodate all ages and schools.
Riot Act Inc.’s 49er Halloween Ball
The 49er Ball, hosted by the Riot Act Inc., is celebrating its 21st Anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. in the newly remodeled Virginian Lodge Ballroom. A Jackson tradition since 1896, Riot Act Inc. inherited the Ball from the Lion’s Club in 2018.
“It’s a super fun party that supports local theater, artists and talent,” Riot Act Inc. Executive Artistic Director Macey Mott said.
This year’s theme is Halloween meets the Old West. According to Mott, a Halloween costume with a 49er twist could be a ghost with a cowboy hat, a zombie saloon girl or a headless cowboy.
The ball was originally inspired by the California Gold Rush of 1849, one of the largest migrations in U.S. history, according to Riot Act Inc.
“Where the golden streets in the Land of Dreams were spotted out West. Hundreds of thousands of society’s eccentrics and outcastes clamored for their stakes, creating a colorful world of stories, characters, sin, and parties,” is Riot Act’s written 49er Ball creed.
The evening will unfold with the band Bush Pilots performing, a silent auction, gambling for donations, a cash bar and a costume contest.
Haunting JH — Town’s Trunk-or-Treat and Pet Parade
Haunting JH, hosted by Amy Ringholz Studios, is a full-day family and pet-friendly community event.
Dogs have their chance to compete during the second annual PAWS Pet Parade at Teton Heritage Arena on Sat. Oct. 28, from 12 to 2 p.m.
“Last year’s pet parade was the dog show of Jackson Hole,” Paws Program and Enrichment Manager and parade judge Sam Diaz said. “The dogs loved being the center of attention, it was their day to shine.”
According to Diaz, approximately 100 families dressed in costume, attended last year’s pet parade. Dogs parade around in a circle inside the arena and PAWS judges will award prizes for all 20-plus costume categories.
Later in the day, children can ask for treats at the Town Trunk-or-Treat. Parked firetrucks, police cars and decorated vehicles offering candy will be located on the grassy arena from 2 to 4 p.m.
Dornans Pumpkin Patch
Dornans Pumpkin Patch event donates to children’s preschool in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP).
According to Dornans Pumpkin Patch Organizer, Andi Dornan, the event is a fundraiser for Moose Corner Children’s Academy (MCCA). MCCA is dedicated to providing affordable, quality and educationally oriented childcare services for parents working in support of GTNP and the local community.
“It’s a way for Dornans to be a community partner with families of GTNP and 100% of the event’s proceeds go to MCCA,” Dornan said.
Pumpkin-picking, kid’s crafts under the pavilion, face painting, a raffle, a set-up photo opportunity in front of hay bales, a bake sale, beverages from Roadhouse and food for sale at the Chuckwagon will be at Dornans third pumpkin patch on Sat. Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
