Smile Politely

Midtown Sundaze: Halloween come early to the Boneyard

This past Sunday, the Champaign Center Partnership hosted its Midtown Sundaze Halloween Extravaganza for the second year in the Boneyard Creek Basin at the corner of Springfield Avenue and Second Street in Champaign. Nature gave everyone a beautiful day for the event, which no doubt helped to boost attendance. “The Midtown area is underutilized, and we wanted to provide free events to raise awareness,” explained Erin Lippitz, Executive Director of the Champaign Center Partnership. “Last year we had about 100 kids attend, and we’re hoping do see even more this year.”

Below, Erin Lippitz… I mean, Superwoman… poses with her super twin!

Safe and family friendly, the venue provided a great way for parents and children to kick off Halloween week with plenty of games, a few crafting stations, and enough face paint and glitter to keep the park colorful for a long time to come. There was a surplus of candy to go around for those who played the games and, while the event definitely was geared towards children, quite a few parents joined in the costume fun as well.

Take a look below for more photos of the day!

Below, facepainting, provided by Shelly Gehrt of Wild Style Design Company.

Below, decorate your own cookie!

Below, Marty McFly and Doc Brown (complete with hoverboard) came back to us from the future to win one of the costume awards!

Below, glitter tattoos were provided by Pamela Williams of Party Prep Events.

Below, magician (and juggler, and comedian) Michael Braswell keeps the crowd wowed.

Below, there’s more than one way to knock down a scary clown!

Below, lining up for the costume contest. Several different costume categories were awarded with toys and gift certificates to local businesses.

Below, Dr. Brains, E.D., winner of spookiest costume. A very happy zombie.

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