October brings all things spooky to light. But in Westfield, this month has special meaning. We celebrate cartoonist and former resident Charles Addams. With a global pandemic taking place right now, organizers needed to come up with a different way to honor him. So, they created an Alt-AddamsFest for 2020. Haunted trails, scary movies, painted windows in downtown shops. They all make appearances in the upcoming weeks. Just recently, organizers announced even more fun added to their schedule of events. But they need your help to make them happen.
More Alt-AddamsFest 2020 Fun
Painted Pumpkin Contest
Part of our Alt-AddamsFest festivities includes a walk along the Painted Pumpkin Path in Mindowaskin Park. If you fancy yourself a bit of an artist or simply want to be a part of the fun, submit your ideas for a painted pumpkin to publicart@westfieldnj.gov by October 9th. As a tip of the hat to Westfield’s 300th birthday, organizers plan on choosing 30 pumpkins from all submissions received to represent each decade of our city’s existence. If they choose your submission, you will need to paint it (no carving allowed) on a pumpkin and submit it before the official Mystical Midowaskin Painted Pumpkin Path opens on October 25th.
Need a pumpkin for the contest or to decorate your Westfield home? Visit Williams Nursery on Springfield Ave. They’re open from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Visitors over the age of two must wear masks. Social distancing is strongly encouraged. If you feel ill, please stay home and come back when you feel better.
Drawing Contest
Another way to be a part of the Alt-AddamsFest fun is to submit your drawing in the Draw This in Your Style Addams Family Challenge. You don’t have to be a pro to participate. Simply visit the AddamsFest website to view Charles Addams’ Addams Family portrait. Then, make it your own by recreating it in a style of your choosing. The only limits are your imagination. Once you complete your vision, upload it to your Instagram account using #DrawThisInYourStyle_Addams as a tag. It must be uploaded by October 20th for consideration in the DTWYS contest. Winners receive fun prizes and become part of a virtual art exhibit later this month.