No tricks, just treats this Halloween season

By Ann Grahl

Now that Tecumseh’s Appleumpkin Festival is in the books, having kicked local fall festivities into high gear, it’s time to turn our attention to the spooky season. The top of the preparation list often goes to planning for the beloved children’s trick-or-treating tradition, but there’s also room for more adult-type gatherings, a pinch a creativity, and a look into the past and the future.

Bowman Chevrolet of Clinton will be hosting their annual family-friendly Trunk or Treat on Thursday, Oct. 23, 5-7 p.m., in their parking lot at 1070 U.S. 12. Folks don’t need their own vehicle to open a trunk to costume-clad trick-or-treaters; Bowman just so happens to have some available to borrow. In fact, they can provide one for each participant who reserves in advance. To register a vehicle, contact Gina at ggaravaglia@bowmanchevy.com or 248-605-7510. Advance trunk reservations are required.

Also in Clinton on Thursday, Oct. 23, 5-7 p.m., NewGen CDJR, 1111 W. Michigan Ave., will be holding their Trunk or Treat. Attendees are encouraged to wear their costumes and trick-or-treat among the decorated trunks. Donuts, popcorn, cotton candy, and apple cider will be available. And Misfit Jeepers, Funky Dawgs, and E&S Sweets Candied Fruit will be onsite.

Germain Toyota of Dundee,16490 Tecumseh Rd., is throwing their yearly Trunk or Treat event Thursday, Oct. 23, 5-8 p.m. They provide the trunks while participants provide the décor and treats, with prizes awarded as part of their best trunk contest. Donuts and cider, live music, inflatables, and hayrides add to the celebration. All community members are invited to come out and enjoy this fun family event.

The second annual Trunk or Treat & Chili Cook Off, hosted by Tecumseh Parks & Recreation, will take place on Friday, Oct. 24, 5:30-7 p.m., at the AJ Smith Recreation Center, 810 N. Evans St. There will be games, face painting by Colorful Events, Halloween music, delicious food, and chili!

This event features trick-or-treating for children from trunks decked out by City of Tecumseh departments and their partners, with candy and non-candy treats alike. All attendees will have access to free chili tastings and can vote for their favorite. The top three chilis will receive awards, with the grand prize being awarded to the Chili Cook Off Champ.

Think you make a mean cauldron of chili? To enter the Cook Off and find out if yours will be deemed the best chili in Tecumseh, contact the AJ Smith Recreation Center at 517-423-5602 or register online at tecumsehparksandrec.recdesk.com.

Because of its success, the Trunk or Treat & Chili Cook Off is poised for growth. “We’re looking to add a sensory-friendly station and restructure the layout of the event for more accessibility and inclusion,” said Recreation Programmer Katrina Rumsey. “Our efforts are honed in on making this event for all, regardless of abilities or needs,” she added.

The event is also registered with the Teal Pumpkin Project, a Food Allergy Research & Education initiative designed to bring allergy awareness and inclusivity to Halloween celebrations nationwide.

Parking for the Trunk or Treat & Chili Cook Off will be available onsite, with an overflow location at Infusion Performing Arts Academy, 828 N. Evans St.

From 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, people will be popping their vehicle trunks and offering up treats, and trick-or-treaters will be opening their pillowcases, totes, and bags to gather goodies at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, located at the corner of North Evans and Brown Street in Tecumseh. 

Instead of their usual Trunk or Treat, the Ridgeway Nazarene Church in Britton is inviting community members to join them in the gravel parking lot next to the fire hall on Friday, Oct. 31, 5:30-7:30 p.m., for dinner. They will be providing a meal, water, hot chocolate, and one decorated trunk from which they will be passing out goodie bags to kids. The goal is to connect with the community while meeting a need. To donate or for more information, email ridgewaynaz@gmail.com or call 517-451-8530.

Also around Tecumseh, Muk’s Sports Pub, 107 S. Evans St., will be celebrating All Hallow’s Eve all weekend long, Friday, Oct. 31, 6 p.m. through Sunday, Nov. 2, 8 p.m., promising “full epic Halloween madness!” They’ll be sharing more details via social media as the weekend approaches.

Those who wish to treat themselves to an artistic alternative for the holiday will find just what they’re looking for in Haley Jula Design’s Pumpkin Patch Watercolor Class, Friday, Oct. 24, 6-8 p.m., at Musgrove + Company, 135 E. Chicago Blvd. For more details and for a link to reserve your spot, go to the Musgrove Facebook page and click on events. While tapping into their inner artist, painters can also grab some liquid inspiration in the form of a seasonal Musgrove beverage, included with their ticket.

And looking ahead — or behind — Dawn Moon Tarot will be bringing decades of experience and popping up at Paper Street Soap, 133 E. Chicago Blvd., on Friday, Oct. 31, 12-3 p.m. Folks are welcome to stop by and take advantage of a tarot reading and an opportunity to both reflect and plan.

These events are just a sampling of what our area has to offer during this spookiest time of the year. Follow our local businesses and organizations via their websites or on social media to learn about all that Tecumseh and the wider community have to offer. You’re sure to discover a harvest of Halloween happenings.