Hayrides, pumpkin patches, hikes through the mountains, cornmazes and more — it’s time for autumn and there’s plenty to do right here in your backyard!

Take a hike through Catoctin Mountain Park to see the beautiful colors of the season. Find your way through Lawyer’s cornmaze or see how far you can blast a pumpkin. Visit one of the local orchards for some locally grown, delicious apples. And, don’t forget about Halloween! Both Thurmont and Emmitsburg host special community events in celebration of Halloween.

See page 18 for information on Thurmont and Emmitsburg Halloween activities.

Thurmont’s Halloween in the Park

The official Trick or Treat night in the town of Thurmont will be held on Halloween evening, October 31, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., but the Halloween fun starts this weekend at the town park.

Thurmont’s annual Halloween in the Park night will be held about a week earlier on Saturday, October 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the town community park. The event is being held early to avoid a conflict with homecoming activities at Catoctin High School.

This annual tradition is open to all area families and features both fun and spooky activities. Performing for two hours, every 15 minutes, will be the Mom & Me Show and the Khan Du Magic Show. Thurmont Branch Public Library will also host a spooky storytime. The popular Haunted Hayride is back for both scary and not-so-scary trips around the back of the park.

There will be no parking allowed with the Community Park, except for handicapped spaces in the front parking lot. All other visitors should park across the road from the park in behind the former bowling alley (parking attendants will guide you).

There will be refreshments and plenty of treats for children. Admission to the event is a donation of one canned food item to support the local food bank.

Emmitsburg Halloween

The streets of Emmitsburg will be filled once again this year with the wonderful costumes and laughter of children and adults (with some costumed pets, too) on Tuesday, October 31. Official trick or treating hours are from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

But Emmitsburg doesn’t stop the celebration with trick or treating. After scooping up candy and treats, Emmitsburg residents and visitors will gather at the corner of Federal Avenue and DePaul Street to march in the Annual Halloween Parade. The parade, which goes through the center of town, begins at 6:30 p.m. At the square, judges will evaluate all the participants to determine the winners in multiple categories. American Legion Post 121 will provide monetary prizes for all winners, while members of the Vigilant Hose Company and Emmitsburg Ambulance Company will assist with traffic control.