The Heart of Lebanon “Mischief on Meridian” event will kick off Oct. 28 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Lebanon with a record number of trunk-or-treat stations for the community to explore.
The Heart of Lebanon announced on Friday that the event has surpassed its record for past years by registering 50 vendors to take part in distributing candy and hosting activities for the community to enjoy during the event. Every treat station will feature a teal pumpkin that contains non-food and allergen friendly treats that was sponsored by the Piece by Piece Autism Centers.
The Mischief on Meridian event will also feature a costume contest with prizes for first, second and third place finishers. The pets contest will kick off at 5:15 pm., the family groups contest will commence at 5:30 p.m., ages 5 and under contest applicants can enter to win at 5:45 p.m., the ages 6 to 8 contest will kick off at 6 p.m., the ages 9 to 11 contest will commence at 6:15 p.m., the ages 12 to 17 contest applicants can enter to win at 6:30 p.m. and the ages 18 and above contest will kick off at 6:45 p.m. Registration is not required, and judging will be based on creativity, orginality, workmanship and overall appeal. The Heart of Lebanon requested the public to only wear family appropriate costumes for the contest.
“Work your way around the square filling your bag full of candy while you gaze upon all the great costumes and street performers,” the organizers wrote. “Don’t forget to enter the costume contest, stop by to pet a spooky creature or wander down the Halloween Alley. It’s an event loved by people of all ages and scare levels.”
The event will feature the Journey and Jet Band on the northside of the courthouse from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The band will be performing kids songs and favorite from the 1950’s to the 1990’s. The band is comprised of two youth from the Lebanon community who regularly perform children’s songs for the youth in the community.
“Mischief on Meridian is an event for people of all ages,” the organizers wrote. “We love when the youth step up and want to be a part of it all.”
Entertainement will continue with performances by Katie Jo Mulvey from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for juggling and hoop entertainment. The performances will begin at 4:30 p.m. for those with special needs.
This year’s event will also provide a sensory safe zone from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Tribett Rich Insurance Group at 107 E. Main St. in Lebanon. The senory zone is sponsored by Piece by Piece Autism Centers and will provide a calm and quiet space for attendees to escape the hustle and bustle of the downtown event.
Last year featured surprise events, such as the Thriller flash mob led by the members of Talent Factory Arts and Dance, and attendees may experience similar surprises amongst the crowd this year. Last year’s volunteers contributed 74 total hours of community service on the day of the event, which does not account for the volunteer time dedicated by the trunk-or-treat stations.
All functions of the event will kick off at 4:30 p.m. for those needing accomodations for special needs. The event will kick off for the general public at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28 in downtown Lebanon. For more information, visit heartoflebanon.org.