Children got the chance to wear their Halloween costumes early by attending Saturday’s annual Halloween Fall Fest in Gurnee.

The three-hour event at the Hunt Club Park Community Center attracted a large crowd.

Many parents wore costumes to match their children in a family theme. For example, 15-month-old Dylan Cabrera of Grayslake who trick-or-treated at community tables with his parents Chris and Ashley. The parents dressed as SpongeBob SquarePants and Mr. Krabs. Dylan was a tiny, toddling Plankton.

“We’re in a family costume, and we have to do that while we have the chance,” Ashley Cabrera said. “He’s our first baby.”

Chris Cabrera added, “It’s very important,” for Dylan to experience such hometown events. “He gets to experience trick-or-treat for the first time. He’s smiling.”

The Gurnee Park District partnered with the village of Gurnee on the event, which included a tractor hayride, carnival games, crafts and a magician. Pumpkin and corn maze inflatable attractions also entertained youngsters.

Trick or treating at Halloween Fall Fest on Oct. 11, 2025 in Gurnee at the Hunt Club Park Community Center. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun)

“This is our third year hosting Halloween Fall Fest at Hunt Club Park, and each year it continues to grow, not just in the number of activities and offerings, but also through collaboration,” Park District Executive Director Mike Szpylman said.

Returning this year was the Gurnee Farmers Market, featuring fresh produce, custom toy designs, baked goods and more.

“Fall Fest has truly become a celebration for everyone to enjoy,” Szpylman said. “We can’t wait to see it continue to bring families, friends and neighbors together for more years to come.

“I have enjoyed first-hand experiences with my own family, dressing up in costume alongside my teenage daughters, who each year are excited to volunteer their time to help make memories for all of our participants,” he added.

A monster takes a tractor hayride at Halloween Fall Fest on Oct. 11, 2025 in Gurnee at the Hunt Club Park Community Center. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun)

Volunteering in costume channeling the Disney animated film “101 Dalmatians,” was Crystal Ralston of Gurnee.

“It’s nice to help out, and it’s nice to be part of the festivities,” the Warren Township High School junior said.

State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, staffed an outreach table where she said greeting constituents was “amazing.”

“It’s nice that it’s a little earlier than Halloween,” Mason said. “Parents spend so much money putting together costumes and doing all the things that (require) so much effort, so to be able to extend the holiday is great.

Right, Stephan Weatherspoon of Waukegan and son Jack, 1, trick or treat as father and son at Halloween Fall Fest on Oct. 11, 2025 in Gurnee at the Hunt Club Park Community Center. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun)

“But also I think right now is a really good time for everybody just to be out together having fun, taking a deep breath and just enjoying the things that families should be enjoying,” she added.

There were children dressed in Spider-Man and Deadpool franchise costumes climbing trees and rolling down grassy berms.

Brooks Rutherford, 3, of Gurnee, wore a red costume from “The Incredibles” cartoon franchise. His father Jeff said the event was, “a fun place, good vibes, good people. It’s fun to be out here.”

The tractor driven hayride was busy at Halloween Fall Fest on Oct. 11, 2025 in Gurnee at the Hunt Club Park Community Center. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun)

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/13/gurnee-halloween-fall-fest/