Halloween 2020 will go on this year thanks to sports organizers and venues offering spooky good times.
To add to the vibe this year, this October features two full moons – also known as a Blue Moon. The first full moon of the month was October 1. The second will occur on October 31 – just in time for Halloween, so trick-or-treaters will be more visible.
We’ve seen many unusual things this year and the Blue Moon at the end of the month will be visible to the entire world for the first time since World War II. As they say, this happens once in a ‘blue moon’ and will not happen again for 18 or 19 years, so the next time to catch this phenomenon is October 31, 2039.
With lockdowns and social distancing, the normal door-to-door events may not take place in all neighborhood’s but recreation centers, sports complexes and parks are offering a variety of events to get the little ones out for a good time.
In West Lafayette, Ind., Purdue baseball is inviting fans to Alexander Field on Oct. 29 for a Halloween event that will feature trick-or-treating and a three-inning scrimmage.
Baseball’s Halloween Bash is a new event planned this year and will feature the Boilermakers and fans wearing costumes. After three innings of play, children will be able to join the players on the field for trick-or-treating. Inflatable areas and Halloween crafts will be available on the concourse during the scrimmage.
In Hillsborough, N.J., Iron Peak Sports & Events, New Jersey’s newest sport event venue will hold its grand opening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 31 with a day that will feature a ribbon-cutting and family activities.
The celebration, which is free to the public, will feature Halloween activities, a costume contest and contactless trick-or-treating.
Guests are required to register in advance for specific time slots and they will be required to undergo on-site screening, mask-wearing and follow social distancing guidelines.
Iron Peak, formerly known as Apex Sports & Events opened earlier in the month and this event will allow the staff to showcase the new facility which features three outdoor turf fields, four basketball courts, eight volleyball courts, a full-sized indoor turf field under a dome bubble, meeting space, concessions and the family entertainment center that offers a ninja course, climbing walls, an aerial ropes course and arcade.
In Warwick, N.Y., the Hudson Sports Complex is opening its doors for a tour of the facility’s spooky grounds. The site was originally developed and used as a vocational training school and reformatory for troubled boys from the 1930s to the 1970s. It was then converted to an all-male medium-security prison from 1976 to 2011.
Pre-registration for the tour is required and a waiver must be signed.
In Minneapolis, Meet Minneapolis announced that the Monster Dash Marathon, 10K, 10 Mile, half marathon & 5K will be held Oct. 31 with races beginning at 8:30 a.m. in St. Paul.
Runners wear costumes and could win the Monster Dash Costume Contest at the post-race party. Virtual runners will also have an online costume contest.
In Bangor, Maine, the Cross Insurance Center will host a haunted Halloween event on Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that will feature an outdoor drive-up trick-or-treat area for kids. A virtual haunted house on the Cross Insurance Center website and social media channels will also be available.
Pre-packaged Halloween treats will be provided to those who attend. Pre-registration is required.
In Baton Rouge, La., BREC is hosting a variety of activities at its parks and facilities, including a Pumpkin Paddle Parade featuring float decorations on paddleboards, kayaks, or canoes. The event will be held at the Milford Wampold Memorial Park on Oct. 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
And on Oct. 29. AAU will host its Halloween Horror Tournament that will feature NBA2K 21’ and Madden 21’.
You must be an AAU member to participate in this Esports event.
There are plenty of creative options available for athletes and trick-or-treaters to discover this year. Check out your local recreation center or sign up to participate in a race or event.
I hope you have a spooky good time under the blue moon.
