South West Illinois News

Halloween, celebrated every October in Illinois, traces its origins back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. This festival marked the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter for the Celts in what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France. They believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and dead worlds was thin, allowing spirits to roam freely. To ward off these spirits, people gathered around bonfires, wore disguises, and left food offerings.

Over time, these rituals merged with other cultural traditions to form modern Halloween. Irish and Scottish immigrants brought these customs to America where they evolved into today's neighborhood celebrations.

Illinois hosts its own share of eerie legends and ghost stories. Alton, a town along the Mississippi River, is reputed as one of America's most haunted places. Its 19th-century buildings have become sites for ghost tours exploring Alton’s mysterious past. The McPike Mansion and Civil War spirit tales make it a popular Halloween destination for those seeking supernatural experiences.

The state is also known for fall activities at various pumpkin patches. Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard has locations in Pingree Grove and South Barrington offering pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes, and attractions like a pumpkin-eating dinosaur. Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove boasts one of the world's largest corn mazes alongside a pumpkin patch and petting zoo. Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen features unique rides and pumpkin cannons while Tanners Orchard near Peoria combines traditional pumpkin patch activities with apple orchards.

For children, Halloween offers simple magic with each door promising candy treasures. For adults, it evokes childlike wonder as they watch little ghosts and superheroes moving from house to house. The celebration unites Illinoisans of all ages as friends and strangers come together for an evening filled with mystery and fun.

"Read more here: Staying Safe for Halloween – David Friess"