Hailey
Halloween in Emporia turned out to be a huge success this past Friday, bringing together families, kids, and community members for a night full of fun and excitement.
The city truly did Halloween right, offering a mix of trick-or-treating, movies, and zoo adventures. Let’s take a closer look at how the community celebrated and what made this spooky evening one to remember.
A Community Celebration on Commercial Street
The celebration kicked off early Friday afternoon on Commercial Street, where thousands of people gathered for the Emporia Main Street trick-or-treating event.
This much-loved activity had been rescheduled, but that didn’t stop families from showing up in full spirit. Kids in creative costumes walked from shop to shop, collecting candies and posing for photos.
Local businesses joined in by decorating their storefronts, handing out treats, and greeting families with big smiles.
Parents appreciated the safe and friendly environment, while children were thrilled to see their favorite characters walking around. It was the perfect start to a fun-filled evening and a great way for the town to come together.
A Movie Treat at the Granada Theatre
As the sun set, many families made their way to the Granada Theatre for a free showing of the Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus. The theatre was packed with both kids and adults enjoying the film’s mix of humor, magic, and nostalgia.
Watching a Halloween classic together helped everyone wind down after the busy afternoon and continue the festive spirit indoors.
This free movie night wasn’t just entertainment—it was also a chance for people to sit together, laugh, and share a moment of togetherness. Events like these remind everyone how important it is for small towns to create spaces where neighbors can enjoy simple pleasures together.
Boo in the Zoo Brings Halloween to Life
Later in the evening, the excitement continued at the David Traylor Zoo, which hosted its annual “Boo in the Zoo” event. The zoo was full of life and laughter as families walked through beautifully decorated exhibits glowing with Halloween lights.
Children enjoyed spotting animals in their habitats while also admiring spooky decorations and costumed staff.
The event mixed adventure with education, letting kids enjoy nature while celebrating Halloween in a unique way. It was a wonderful combination of fun, family time, and learning.
Halloween in Emporia – Event Summary
Here’s a quick look at how the evening unfolded and why each part stood out:
| Time of Day | Event | What Made It Special |
|---|---|---|
| Afternoon | Trick-or-treating on Commercial Street | Safe fun for kids with candy, costumes, and community spirit |
| Early Evening | Free showing of Hocus Pocus at Granada Theatre | A classic Halloween movie for families to enjoy together |
| Night | Boo in the Zoo at David Traylor Zoo | A mix of animals, lights, and spooky fun for all ages |
The Spirit of Togetherness
What made this year’s Halloween in Emporia truly special was the community spirit. From small business owners handing out candy to local volunteers helping organize events, everyone played a part in making the night memorable.
The rescheduled timing worked out perfectly, giving residents a reason to come together and celebrate safely and joyfully.
Halloween events like these show how local traditions can strengthen community bonds. They bring smiles to children, joy to parents, and pride to organizers who love seeing their town full of happy faces.
Emporia’s Halloween celebration was more than just a fun night—it was a reflection of community strength and spirit. The mix of trick-or-treating, movie time, and zoo adventures offered something for everyone, proving that small-town events can create big memories.
Families left with full candy bags, warm hearts, and stories to share for years to come. It was a truly sweet Friday in Emporia.