Newtown Halloween Art Scene 2016 Plans Announced

Newtown has set the date for its annual Halloween Art Scene event. Festivities will be held Oct. 22 on State and Sycamore streets. There will be window painting, a pet parade, and a cupcake contest.

Festivities start at 9 a.m. and go until 12:30 p.m. The deadline to register is Oct. 17.

"The Newtown tradition of painting State Street store windows with Halloween scenes dates back to the 1950s. The practice lapsed for a while after the turn of this century, but some Newtown businesspeople started it back up in 2009," according to event organizers.

The event is organized by local businesses and residents Jackie Kaizar and Karen Lawler.

“Our kids painted windows in the 70s, we painted windows and now our grandkids are painting windows,” said Kaizar. “It’s awesome to see the tradition continue and it’s so fun to see other artists and families get involved every year.”

This year, organizers are hoping to attract more adult artists to join the party.

“This is a great chance for adult artists to show their talents and enhance our event a little more,” said Becky Betz of Becky’s Newtown Deli, one of the Halloween Committee members.

The event rain date is Oct. 23.

Here’s what you need to know:

Window Painting

The cost to participate is $5 a window. Participants must paint a family-friendly freehand image that has a fall or Halloween theme. Windows are assigned on a first come, first served basis. One window will be assigned to each artist or group. Requests for specific windows may be honored, if possible. Artists younger than 13 must have adult supervision at all time. Prizes will be awarded.

Cupcake Wars

Must register by Oct. 17. Cupcakes should be homemade and presented on a disposable tray with the recipe for the cupcakes and frosting. From the organizers: “The theme of the cupcakes should reflect Fall/Halloween (1/2 dozen cupcakes per entrant). There will be two age groups; child (15 yrs. and under) and adult. Judging will be based on overall taste and presentation. Prizes will be awarded to each group and the winning cupcakes will be featured at the Caketeria for one day. Bring your cupcakes to First National Bank, 40 S. State St. on Oct. 22 between 9:30-10:30 am. The winners will be announced at 11:30 am and prizes will be awarded at that time.”

Frankenweenie Pet Parade

This event is free to the public. There is no pet parade if the event gets pushed to rain date. All pets who would like to march must register before Oct. 17. All pet owners must complete a Pet Owner Responsibility Form. Costumed pets will assemble at Newtown Bicycle Shop at 11:30 am, parade up State St. and return to the bicycle shop where they will be judged. Pets must be well behaved and owners must clean up after their pets. No Flexible, extendable leashes. The winners will be announced at 12:30 pm and prizes will be awarded,” according to organizers. (House pets only. No farm animals or wildlife.)

Click here to visit the Newtown Halloween Art Scene event website for more details and to download registration forms.