Get ready for Florence’s annual Halloween Fright Fest

Fright Fest is a fun, and safe alternative for families to enjoy on Halloween. There will be numerous Trunk or Treat organizers that will be handing out candy.”

Alicia Marrufo, recreation coordinator, Town of Florence

Halloween Fright Fest is coming back to Florence and despite its name, it promises to be more fun than scary.

Fright Fest is a free event but make sure to bring extra money to buy food from vendors. The fest will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31, in Downtown Historic Main Street. 

“Fright Fest is a fun, and safe alternative for families to enjoy on Halloween. There will be numerous Trunk or Treat organizers that will be handing out candy. Our popular Costume Contest will begin at 6:30 p.m.,” said Alicia Marrufo, recreation coordinator for the town of Florence. “Many local businesses will be open for this event so patrons can check out their spooky décor as well as their wares. And there will be a variety of delicious food vendors to provide dinner and dessert for the whole family.”

And just like last year, local businesses will open their doors and join in on the Halloween fun. 

As always, the night’s main attraction will be the Costume Contest. Everyone is encouraged to participate in one of the various 16 categories. Marrufo suggests visiting the town of Florence Facebook site to find a list of costume categories and for updates on the event.

“While the town puts a lot into our local events, we owe much of the success for this event and others to the valued sponsorships and partnerships we’ve developed with many of our local businesses and organizations,” Marrufo said. “For example, the town will be providing over 900 pounds of candy for this year’s fest with the help of Sweet P’s Shoppe in Downtown Florence, which is helping to sponsor the event and will be donating candy to ensure there is enough for everyone.” 

The town also has joined forces with Florence Unified School District Community Education to provide the stage where the Costume Contest will take place. The Costume Contest will be presented by Pinal County Federal Credit Union.

“And we can’t forget all the individuals, families and organizations who organize Trunk or Treat spaces for the whole community to enjoy,” Marrufo said.

The Florence Police and Fire Departments will be on hand during the Fright Fest. Each department will park one of its specially designed vehicles in downtown and officers and firefighters will hand out candy and other treats. Plus, children can also get a guided tour of the vehicles and snap a picture while sitting inside one.

Parking for Halloween Fright Fest will be available behind Ruggiero’s Ace Hardware at 290 N. Main St., Suite 2205. Visitors can enter the event on North Quartz Street or North Granite Street. More parking is available at the Dorothy Nolan Senior Center on North Pinal Street and the Brunenkant Building on North Bailey Street.

“If attendees choose to go out trick or treating in the neighborhoods before or after visiting our event, please use caution and make sure children are wearing some form of reflective material to catch drivers’ eyes,”

Anyone who would like to become a Trunk or Treat organizer can register at https://bit.ly/3QGGaXY.