The Biggest Halloween Festival in Wisconsin
I am afraid that I am dating myself when I mention the phrase “too big for your britches.” That was used when a young person appeared to be thinking they could act older than they were, earning the respect that comes with age. Frankly, it was a sign that, indeed, this person was growing up, ready to begin to take on the world. It was a wake-up call for both the child and the parents.
That is what happened with Spooktacular in Superior. What began as a promotional event for the Superior Business Improvement District (SBID) was ready to grow and move beyond those boundaries to become a city-wide event.
Jodi Sundet, former administrative assistant for the Superior Business Improvement District, talked about how the event began.
“We started BID Pumpkin Patch in 1997 or 1998. Originally, I brought the idea to Kaye (Tenerelli, then SBID’s executive director), after I was at a similar event in Minneapolis. The first year we gave away pumpkins, had vendors under a huge tent and had a kids’ costume contest in the library’s north parking lot. It grew from there.
“The event outgrew the space, and then moved to the parking lot at 13th and Banks.”
Through the years, Spooktacular grew with new events, such as the parade that was added in 2015. Interest grew in having the event move beyond SBID. This was no longer simply a promotional event for SBID businesses; it became a celebration for Superior.
“We are proud of the role SBID played in creating Spooktacular,” Kelly Peterson, SBID executive director, shared. “We continue to support its growth and are always excited to add activities to the event.”
This year the fun begins on October 25 – the Saturday before Halloween.
The Superior Nightmare 5K race begins at 11 a.m. at Wessman Arena. Sponsored by Grandma’s, proceeds from the race support the Young Athletes Foundation. A Spider Dash for kids 14 and under starts at 11:45.
Then there is the Spooktacular Parade at 12:30 p.m., according to Carolyn Nelson-Kavajecz, one of the event coordinators. It begins at 21st and Catlin Avenue and ends at Hammond Park.
The fun continues with the Goin Postal Poltergeist Pub Crawl and Music Fest at 5 p.m. You are encouraged to put on a costume and visit various bars within SBID which also offer drink specials. Lanyards can be purchased for $20. You must visit 8 out of the 12 participating bars to be able to enter into the drawing. Participants can bring their completed lanyard to the Top Hat Tavern by 10 p.m., where prizes are awarded and the winners of the costume contests will be announced. Money earned from the lanyard sales supports the Bluebird Foundation which supports young people involved in the performing arts. Last year more than $12,000.00 was earned.
The groups involved in the Music Fest this year are Broomstick, Valahsa, Israel Malachi, Night Song Trio, Jake Birdseye, Woodblind and Dance Attic. The Kro Bus, a special bus sponsored by SBID and the City of Superior, will be running the route from 5 until 10 p.m. for the crawl and music fest participants.
Deanna Ellis talked about the activities that will be happening in Hammond Park from noon until 6 p.m. on that Saturday.
“We’re providing a free family fun event for all. There will be trick or treating, live music, contests, activities, food trucks, our Tunnel of Terror will be up for people to walk through, face painting and just lots of fun!”
She added, “I’m hoping to put on another event in the spring. Eventually I’d love to fund other parks in the area like Turtle Park or Central Park. They have so much potential for so much more!”
There is also the Massacre on Hammond, a special walk-through display at 1701 Hammond for those brave enough to do it.
Homeowners and business owners are encouraged to decorate their houses or businesses for the Haunt Your House and Haunt Your Business competitions. People can find a list of the participants and enjoy a night-time drive to see the various displays.
Of course, there is the traditional Trick or Treat in the District from noon until 3 p.m. on October 31. Children are encouraged to go from business to business within SBID to fill up their bags with treats. Each year the number of children participating has grown.
“We love seeing the different things that happen within SBID for Spooktacular,” Peterson commented. “It’s gratifying to see something that began as a promotional event continues to grow and makes Superior a destination.”
Spooktacular has gotten too big for its britches.
As Andrew Perfetti, owner of Goin Postal told me, Spooktacular is the biggest Halloween Festival in Wisconsin. So, join in the fun – if you dare!
Gary Banker is a member of the Superior Business Improvement District Board of Directors.
