5 things to do in DeKalb County: YMCA Halloween Bash, Cider Donut Run, Sweeney Todd and more

1. Kishwaukee Family YMCA Halloween Bash 2021 from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16 at 2500 Bethany Road in Sycamore

Calling all pirates, superheroes, Draculas and witches: The Kishwaukee Family YMCA has a spooky party planned for families of all ages. The event will offer carnival games, a haunted house, a “Not So Scary” haunted house, raffles, candy and prizes, balloon animals, popcorn, take-home crafts and more.

Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the YMCA front desk. Non-member event entry is $6, it’s $3 for a member and no cost for a family membership. Children under 2 get in free. To purchase tickets, go to ops2.operations.daxko.com.

For information, go to kishymca.org/halloween-bash.

2. DeKalb Park District plans spooky Halloween programs

The DeKalb Park District will host several Halloween-themed programs this fall for thrill-seekers of all ages.

The inaugural Monster Mash Splash will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Huntley Middle School Pool, 1515 S. Fourth St. There will be Halloween-themed activities both in and out of the water. The fee is $20 for residents and $25 for nonresidents.

Tuesday is the deadline to participate in the second annual DeKalb Halloween House Decorating Contest.

A free pet event, Howl-o-ween, will be held Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Katz Dog Park, 393 W. Dresser Road. This costume contest for dogs and their owners has been an annual favorite. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: Most Spook-tacular, Howling with Laughter, and Best Owner/Pet Costume Combo. Judging will begin at 11 a.m.

Bring your carved pumpkin to Hopkins Sled Hill, 1403 Sycamore Road, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 for a pumpkin roll competition. Guests can have fun smashing their pumpkin and turning it into compost to help nourish plants in the spring. Each participant must be registered. Spectators are welcome. This event is weather-dependent and may be subject to cancellation. Staff asks participants to remove any candles and glow sticks beforehand. Non-carved pumpkins will not be accepted. The fee is $5 per participant.

For information or to register, go to dekalbparkdistrict.com or call 815-758-6663.

3. Kishwaukee Kougars Cross Country team to host third annual Cider Donut Run/Walk Fundraiser at 9:30 a.m. Sunday

Community members are invited to come run or walk with the cross country team and enjoy silent auction items and locally made apple cider donuts courtesy of Jonamac Orchard. All participants also will receive this year’s custom T-shirt. Sign up today at eventbrite.com/e/kishwaukee-cider-donut-run-tickets-168309035857 or register in person on race day.

4. Stage Coach Players to put on “Sweeney Todd” thriller, runs Thursday to Oct. 24

The community theater group visits London for its production of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler.

The show is directed by Jeff Hall with vocal direction by Sandra Jozef and pit orchestra direction by Judy O’Connor.

The bloody tale involves Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, who returns to London to seek revenge on Judge Turpin, who framed Todd when he was known as Benjamin Barker.

Tickets can be purchased at 815-758-1940 or stagecoachplayers.com. This show has adult themes and violence that may not be suitable for those younger than 13.

For this production, attendees are asked to wear masks covering both their nose and mouth. If the state of Illinois guidelines change, the theater’s guidelines also will change.

5. St. Olaf brings tour to DeKalb at 7 p.m. Wednesday at DeKalb High School

This will be the band’s first opportunity to perform for live audiences since February 2020. The band is conducted by Timothy Mahr.

Tickets for the St. Olaf Band tour are free for all students and $10 for adults. A discount is available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets may be purchased at stolaf.edu/tickets/band or at the door.

Go to the St. Olaf Band website for more information on the band.

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