Newtown Halloween Art Scene Event Set for Oct. 18

Organizers are gearing up for the Newtown Halloween Art Scene event, which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18.

The day will feature a variety of crafts and activities for the public, including the popular Halloween Window Painting contest held annually on State and Sycamore streets in Newtown. There will also be Cupcake Wars and a Scarecrow Contest.

New this year is a Frankenweenie Pet Parade. Participants can parade their costumed four-legged friends from George’s Floor Covering on South State Street, down the sidewalk to Washington Avenue and back up the other side of State Street to the starting point. Pet owners must sign up in advance at www.newtownbbc.org.

The Newtown Halloween Art Scene event was started several years ago when some State Street business owners brought back the Newtown Halloween Window Painting contest, a tradition that dates back to at least the 1960s. Two local artists, Jackie Kaizar and Karen Lawler, participated in that year’s activity and offered their help to grow the event the following year.

“Their enthusiasm, imagination, artistic talent and love for all things Halloween just helped the window painting contest expand into a day for lots of people to get involved and make our town festive for Halloween,” said Harry Betz of Newtown Bike Shop. “They’ve done an amazing job and they keep coming up with new stuff each year.”

Kaizar, who came up with the idea for a pet parade, said she hopes it will attract more people to participate. “It just seemed like a fun idea, and not everyone can paint a window, bake cupcakes or make a scarecrow,” she said. “But lots of people have pets and like to dress them up for Halloween. It brings another element to the day and give more people the chance to join in the fun.”

The Window Painting Contest is open to artists of all ages, as well as groups. Click here for details and registration information. Windows on State and Sycamore Street will be painted, as well as some in the nearby shopping centers.

Young bakers can show off their baking and decorating skills in the Cupcake Wars competition. “Each year the cupcakes have been tastier and more artistic than the year before,” said Linda Welles, who coordinates the Cupcake Wars. Pre-registration is also necessary. There are two age groups: 6 to 10 years old and 11 to 16.

Registration forms for all events are at www.newtownbbc.org.