The Linda Friend Memorial Spooktacular will relocate to downtown Bucyrus this year, running Saturday, Oct. 24 from 4 to 7 p.m., according to Crawford County Now. A free community movie follows at 7 p.m. at Schines Art Park.
Organizer Kate Volk said the change is about collaboration rather than size, describing a wish to keep the tradition's identity while letting it develop. Adam Heinlen said the downtown layout spreads activities out and lets more local groups take part without organizing their own Halloween events, since organizers manage location and logistics.
Volk said the move is also intended to reduce duplication among several small trunk-or-treats scattered around town.
Planned offerings include a community trunk-or-treat, free pumpkins sponsored by the VFW, bike giveaways from Avita Health System, and a chili cook-off with Crawford Mentors where donations are suggested. A quieter All Abilities & Sensory-Friendly Trunk or Treat is set behind Bucyrus United Methodist Church from 4 to 7 p.m., in partnership with Oasis and the church's special needs ministry.
The movie is sponsored by Castle Auctions & Appraisals and Rick's Sewer & Drain. Volk credited city staff involvement and said additional sponsorships and donations have come in. Groups can sign up to host a trunk-or-treat station; updates appear on the event's Facebook page.
Organizers noted Bucyrus trick-or-treat happens separately on Saturday, Oct. 31.