Freeport Halloween Carnival returns this weekend after covid hiatus

The second Freeport Halloween Carnival & Vendor Event is underway at James E. Swartz Sr. Memorial Field.

Festivities kicked off Friday evening with an ’80s theme. Some people dressed up with neon head and wrist bands and outrageous sunglasses.

It continues Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, but there is a charge to ride the carnival rides.

At least a few thousand people are expected to participate throughout the three days, weather permitting.

“Just seeing the crowds of people around is our payment,” event committee member Tyler Huth said Friday. “That’s what we get out of it. We get to see everyone walking around having fun. I would consider this a success so far.”

Nearly 100 vendors are participating. Freeport resident Tammy Huston is among them. She recently launched Handmade by Huston, which features custom shirts, cups, wreaths and personalized decor.

“It’s exciting,” Huston said. “It’s my first event and it’s in my hometown. It makes it nice and makes me proud that this small town can pull together and do this. It’s amazing.”

Other vendors are candle makers, performing tarot readings, selling kettle corn, knives and costumes.

Violet Shirey, 7, came dressed as a clown capped with a small red top hat. The Freeport girl was with her mother, Octavia Ice, browsing through apparel and gifts at the Donna’s Sale Tent.

“She was very excited to wear her costume,” Ice said. “We bought it at a costume store and found some sparkling boots to go with it. She was a witch last year; her hat flew off — it was chaos.”

The carnival was canceled last year due to the pandemic. Ice said see was happy to see its return.

“It’s nice that they’re doing this,” she said. “It was very nice the first time they did it, and it seems like it’s on the way to being just as nice this year. It’s nice to see everyone getting out and participating outdoors. It’s a little less worrisome with than indoor activity with the same number of people.”

event committee member Tyler Huth, his wife Courtney, their son Garrett and volunteers Corey Mickle, Shaun Visnesky and Phil Schuller worked together to help make the weekend celebration happen.

Planning usually takes about a year, with monthly meetings and weekly discussions closer to the event date.

However, the third installment in 2022 is expected to be even bigger.

“We already have approval from council and already started some of the ground work for it,” Huth said. “It will be back.”