OSWEGO, IL — Thursday might have been the first day to truly feel like autumn in the Chicagoland area, and Oswego is kicking the season into high gear with a weekend packed with fall activities.
The Oswegoland Park District will host Boos at the Bridge Friday, taking over Hudson Crossing Park from 6-10 p.m. On Saturday, locals can take part in the village's inaugural Lantern Festival before closing out the day with the Oswego Country Market's annual Fall Night Market.
With Boos on the Bridge, the event celebrates Halloween with a festive evening along the Fox River. Guests can come dressed to impress — and can participate in the costume contest — while enjoying craft beverages, a live DJ and seasonal activities. The contest will dole out prizes for the funniest, scariest, most creative and best group costumes.
Tickets to Boos on the Bridge cost $25, and each includes two drink tickets. The event is open to those 21 and older.
The next evening, locals and visitors can join the Lantern Parade, set to step off 6:30 p.m. Those wanting to participate can bring a handmade lantern illuminated with battery-powered LED or fairy lights to brighten downtown Oswego.
Parade-walkers should meet in the parking lot of the Oswego Public Library, 32 Jefferson St., beginning at 5:30 p.m. Those who don't have time to make lanterns can still participate: Last-minute lantern-making will take place until 6:15 p.m., though only a limited number of kits will be available.
Lineup will begin at 6:15 p.m., and 15 minutes later, the parade will follow the Waubonsie Creek Trail to end at Hudson Crossing Park for the Oswegoland Park District's Fall Night Market.
The evening farmers market will take place from 6-9 p.m. These vendors are slated to participate:
Baked Goods
Dough Girls
Feather & Crumb Bakery
Mamie's Toffee LLC
Matteli's LLC
Oh Scrummy
Handcrafted Items
Bigdawg Wood Designs
DreamScapes
Friday Flannels
Gallery's Choice/GC Lavender
Ginger Thomas Soap Company
Uniquely Emily Home Decor
Wicks and Wax
Concessions
Assamica Teas
DillaDawgs
Dirty Pop Twins
Grumpy Gaucho
Moo Munchies
Puro Dulce LLC
Jewelry & Leather
Alman Leather Co
Studio 355 Permanent Jewelry
Specialty Foods
Haney Hutch
Sandra's Homemade
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