Hayrides, pumpkin carving and magic on tap for Tarentum Boo Fest

Tricks and treats will abound for people of all ages at Tarentum Recreation Board’s annual Boo Fest.

A magic show and pumpkin carving will take center stage while festivalgoers can mill around the park to enjoy crafts, games and hayrides.

Organizers expect hundreds of participants after a successful turnout last year.

“It’s not just for kids anymore,” said Carrie Fox, council member and president of the borough’s recreation board. “There is a little bit for everyone.”

The free Halloween-themed festival will be from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, in Riverview Memorial Park.

Entertainment kicks off at 1:30 p.m. with a magic show at the amphitheater.

At 2:30 p.m., a professional pumpkin carver will demonstrate his skills and participants can join in the fun — albeit with stickers and paint.

“We give out free pumpkins, and we have a whole area where people can get creative,” recreation board member J.P. Marino said.

Other highlights include an obstacle course, face painting, food trucks, a bouncy house and free games.

“There’s a prize at the end of each game for everyone,” he said.

The event is open to anyone, regardless of whether they live in Tarentum.

Organizers have retooled the event over the years to attract teens and adults, Marino said.

“We had a bluegrass band last year and the magician, which was a big hit,” he said. “We try to keep it busy throughout the day so there’s always something happening on stage.”

When it kicked off years ago, the Halloween outing was aimed only at children. It featured trick-or-treaters moving from booth to booth to collect candy and at one point included a small costume parade.

Now, it’s more of a festival atmosphere, which Fox said has seen great success.

“It’s a great way to enjoy a fall day,” she said.