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(SCHENECTADY, NY – October 11, 2022) – The Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation (DSIC) invites the community to enjoy a free autumn afternoon of art, music, food, vendors, and other activities, all touched with a haunted hint of Halloween. The 2nd Downtown Schenectady Fall Spooktacular takes place Saturday, October 15, 2022, from 12:00-4:00 p.m. around Schenectady City Hall and along the adjacent Jay Street Marketplace.
DSIC Executive Director Jim Salengo said, “We launched the Fall Spooktacular with great success in the fall of 2019 just before the pandemic. This month, the event returns to the heart of Downtown Schenectady bigger and better than before. We can’t wait to welcome families from around the area to enjoy a great afternoon in downtown during this beautiful time of year.” He added, “Costumes are encouraged to help make the Spooktacular even more spectacular!”
The area around City Hall and down the Jay Street marketplace will feature a wide variety of fun for all ages. On stage, live music from the band Red Haired Strangers will entertain the crowd throughout the day and, on the road, hayrides will give guests a unique view of the festivities. On the lawn of City Hall, a Jack ‘o Lantern bounce house will provide kids with an energetic outlet.
A major highlight of the event will be Jack o’ Lantern carving headed up by Schenectady Kids’ Arts Festival, with help from volunteers. A limited number of free pumpkins for carving will be available on a first come, first served basis (one pumpkin per family); guests may also bring their own. Younger trick or treaters can instead choose to paint their pumpkins with the YWCA NorthEastern NY. Facepainting will be run by Northern Rivers, with the paint being donated by The Costumer.
People of all ages can watch the talented Scotty Nut Nut craft spooky creatures out of nothing but balloons and take his creations home with them. Attendees will also get the chance to enter a raffle for four free tickets to Disney’s smash Broadway musical Aladdin, which comes to Proctors from October 11-23.
Eating, drinking, shopping, and crafting will feature prominently during the Fall Spooktacular. Vendors include:
- The Costumer
- C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios
- Great Flats Brewing
- Hamilton Hill Arts Center
- The Merchants of Jay Street Marketplace
- Mike’s Hot Dogs
- miSci
- MVP Health Care Football Toss
- Nine Pin Cider
- Schenectady Kids’ Art Festival
- Sprinkleista Bakery
The Downtown Schenectady Fall Spooktacular is presented by the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation with major sponsorship support from Schenectady County and Price Chopper/Market 32. Additional support is provided by The Costumer, MVP Health Care, Schenectady Kids’ Arts Festival and Stewart’s Shops. For more information, visit the DSIC’s Facebook page or website.