Families looking for a local Halloween outing can mark Saturday, Oct. 17, on the calendar. United Way of the Mohawk Valley and Utica Royalties plan to hold the United Royalties Spooktacular from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Parish Building, 730 Broadway St., in Utica.
The event brings several activities into one afternoon, including a haunted house, costume contest, cook-off, music and activities for children. United Way’s event page lists the same date, time and location as its Sept. 22 press release. The release says admission is $5 at the door and children under age 2 enter free.
What’s planned for families
Visitors are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes. The organizers say a prize will be awarded for the best costume. They also plan a “Cauldron Creations” cook-off, where local cooks can bring savory food and compete. United Way’s event page names soups, stews, chili and curries as examples of dishes for that activity.
The organization also lists pumpkin decorating, treats for children, music and dancing. Its sponsorship package describes the event as a family-friendly fall celebration. The release does not give a detailed schedule for individual activities or state whether any part of the haunted house has an age restriction. Families with questions can check the official page before heading out.
“Spooktacular is an opportunity for families to come together, have fun, and connect with their community,” Christine Perez of United Way said in the release. Sarah Macri, the organization’s interim CEO, also described the event as a chance for local businesses and organizations to connect with families.
Admission and getting involved
The press release lists $5 admission at the door, with free admission for children younger than 2. The event page has separate links for people interested in vendor tables, volunteering or entering the cook-off. Those activities are not the same as general admission. The page lists a $50 fee for a vendor spot, so prospective vendors should review the terms before signing up.
Organizers also welcome sponsors and in-kind support. The sponsorship document lists requested items such as candy, pumpkins, decorations, craft supplies and prizes. That is an invitation for organizations to support the event, not a requirement for families who simply want to attend.
The clearest place for current event information is United Way’s Spooktacular page. It provides the location, program overview and registration links. The release supplies Christine Perez as a contact at christinep@unitedwaymv.org for questions.
A neighborhood-scale celebration
This is an Utica event organized by two Mohawk Valley groups. The venue on Broadway puts the activities in the city rather than at an out-of-town attraction. For families balancing schedules and costs, an afternoon event with a stated door price may be easier to plan than an open-ended outing. That is a practical consideration, not a guarantee that every activity will be suitable for every child.
United Way describes its broader mission as connecting people, resources and solutions across the Mohawk Valley. The Halloween event offers a public way to meet that organization and Utica Royalties while spending time with neighbors. Macri said the goal is to create a welcoming afternoon where people can enjoy what makes the region special.
As of the Sept. 22 announcement, the event is scheduled for Oct. 17 from 2 to 6 p.m. at 730 Broadway St. Anyone traveling with a group should check the official page close to the event for any updates. Families can arrive in costume, but the release does not say costumes are required for entry.
The event is still weeks away, giving residents time to decide whether to attend, volunteer, cook or help sponsor an activity. The essential details are the date, the Broadway location, the four-hour window and the stated $5 door price. All other sign-ups should go through the organizer’s current information rather than an unofficial social post.
