Halloween in the Hollow

Bring your children, human or otherwise down to show off their costumes, participate in pumpkin decorating, and hop on the hayride. Everyone is welcome to participate in the chili contest and enjoy the bonfire afterwards. The Service Club offers refreshments while we wait for the appearance of the Headless Horseman. We have added some local craft beers for 2025. Let us know what you think.

Your safety is always our first concern. In the event of inclement weather, we will post updates on the calendar and on the Club’s Facebook page.

Check out the previous year’s activities on the Photo Gallery page.

Schedule

• 12:00 pm Down Hill Monster Dash
• 3:00 pm Chili Contest entry cut off, judging begins.
• 3:30 pm Food sales open.
• 4:15 pm Costume parade begins.
• 4:30 pm Pumpkin decorating. Chili Contest and costume results announced.
• 4:30 pm Hay rides start following the end of the costume parade.
• 5:30 pm Lighting of the bonfire.
• 5:56 pm Sunset* for 2025-10-25.
• 6:15 pm Headless horseman rides.
• 7:00 pm Event closes.

Costume Contest

Each age group listed below will follow in a slow parade and awarded the best costume for a girl and boy in that age group. The judges hands out awards slips that are redeemed at the end of the parade.

The groups are as follows:

• Preschoolers and under
• Kindergarten
• 1st Graders
• 2nd Graders
• 3rd Graders
• 4th Graders
• 5th Graders
• 6th Graders & above

Chili Contest Form

Fill out the Chili Contest Form or pick up a paper form at the Sleepy Hollow Village Hall. Make sure your serving containers and any utensils are clearly marked with your name. There is no entry fee. Winners and prizes will be announced at the event.

Rules are as follows:

1. There is a three (3) quart minimum to enter. There is no maximum.
2. Chili should not be prepared more than 48 hours in advance of the contest.
3. Bring your entry in a crock pot or similar container. We will have electricity and ladles.
4. Judging is independent and is based on a balanced set of criteria, known only to the judges.

If you have questions, email us at info [at] shsc-il.org (subject: Halloween%20in%20the%20Hollow%20-%20Chili%20Contest) (info[at]shsc-il[dot]org) or leave a message at 224-484-0009.

Food for Sale

• Hot dogs
• Brats
• Candy bars
• Chips
• Pie
• Chili
• Nachos
• Hot chocolate, hot cider, water, pop, coffee
• Domestic beers
• Local craft beers

Pumpkin Decorating

Pumpkins with simple decorating supplies such as stickers and markers.

Parking

Parking is only allowed on the east side of Sabatino Park. No street parking on Winmoor Drive or Thorobred Lane.

Rain Date

In the event of rain, the festivities will be moved to October 27, 2024.