Free trick-or-treating, a 9-foot-tall T-Rex and a kids' costume contest are planned for downtown Royal Oak on Sunday, Oct. 18, as the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce hosts its Spooktacular.
The event runs from 2 to 5 p.m. at Centennial Commons, Fifth Street Plaza and along downtown streets, according to the chamber's event page.
Kids in costume can collect candy from participating downtown businesses. Characters including Spider-Man, Batman, Belle, Elsa and Olaf will roam Fifth Avenue and the downtown area for meet-and-greets. Face painting will be available all afternoon, along with candy stations staffed by local nonprofits, businesses, the Royal Oak Police Department and the Royal Oak Fire Department. A Ghostbusters car will also be on display.
The Centennial Commons stage has a packed schedule:
- 2 to 3:30 p.m.: DJ dance party
- 3:30 to 4 p.m.: Magician
- 4 to 4:30 p.m.: Royal Oak High School Dance Team performance and Halloween dance lesson
- 4:30 p.m.: Costume parade and contest, sponsored by Genisys Credit Union
The costume contest is open to ages 13 and under in categories including best overall, most creative, spookiest, cutest and best duo. A best group or family costume category is open to all ages. Families can sign up at the Genisys Credit Union booth at Centennial Commons before 4:30 p.m.
The event also features a Jurassic Adventure Experience with a 9-foot-tall, 23-foot-long T-Rex and a baby dinosaur, according to the chamber. Vibe Credit Union is powering a "Scare Away Hunger" food drive on site, and families are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations.
Sidetrack Bookshop and The Caboose Bookshop for Kids, both downtown, will offer free activities for trick-or-treaters who stop in, according to the chamber's event page.
For more details, visit the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce's Facebook page at facebook.com/royaloakchamber.
