Costumes, candy, and community: Celebrate the Spirits

Celebrate the Spirits with Basin Recreation at Willow Creek Park on October 28 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with trick-or-treating, games, and more. Photo: Basin Recreation.

PARK CITY, Utah — Celebrate the Spirits, a cherished Basin Recreation annual event, is a family (and dog)-friendly Halloween affair held on Saturday, October 28, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Willow Creek Park. The event was formerly a 5K fun run but was transformed in 2021 to be more of a family-fun experience. It now features a leisurely trick-or-treat walk around the park and a carnival focus area with games and activities for all ages.

“We added festival-like carnival games and costume contests, in addition to trick-or-treating, and we have a fun playlist,” said Nichole Wilson, Basin Recreation’s Events & Outreach Coordinator. “We provide the opportunity for the community to come out and have a really awesome Saturday celebrating Halloween.”

With 12 sponsored candy stations, your trick-or-treaters will fill their candy bags in no time. Trick-or-treating follows along the park’s paved pathways so strollers, wheelchairs, and wagons can join in on the fun. Local businesses sponsor tables where they distribute candy and connect with event-goers. This interaction provides a unique opportunity for businesses to engage with the local community. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the upcoming event. Businesses can participate for a fee of $75, which includes candy and a designated table spot. Those interested can reach out to Nichole Wilson at nichole@basinrecreation.org.

Besides trick-or-treating, activities for all ages include cornhole, relay races, ring toss games, and more. There is also a pumpkin painting station to get creative and costume contests for the whole family, including pets. Costume contest participants are encouraged to sign up online, but registration will be available on the day-of. Each contestant receives an introduction to the crowd and a chance to win a prize. Costume registration links and times are as follows:

Best Individual Costume – 11:45 a.m.
Best Family Costume – 12 p.m.
Best Dog Costume – 12:15 p.m.

Registration for the event is open online now; trick-or-treaters 3 and older must be registered to participate in the walk and costume contests require a separate sign-up. Participation in the event costs $15 per trick-or-treater, and children 2 and under are free. Parents or guardians accompanying children do not have to pay any additional fees.

Celebrate the Spirits offers a family-friendly and community-oriented Halloween experience. Whether it’s community engagement, games, or the Best Costume Contest, the event promises an enjoyable time for all. This event will be held rain, snow, or shine, so mark your calendar and get ready for a memorable Halloween celebration at Celebrate the Spirits.