PITMAN, N.J. — Downtown Pitman gets into the Halloween spirit beginning this Saturday, October 12, with a number of activities for ghouls and goblins of all ages.

The festivities begin with the 3rd Annual Witches of Pitman Shoppe Hop from 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Pitman that will feature fun-filled Halloween themed activities scattered along Broadway.

Visitors can get a Spell Book stamped at participating businesses Uptown for a chance to win multiple prizes and gift cards!! Spell Books can be picked up at The Scarecrow Factory Country Store, 11 S. Broadway starting at 10:00 A.M. while while supplies last.

A Spooky Bus Tour around Historic Pitman with live storytellers will be available for the bravehearted from 1:00 P.M – 4:00 P.M. Bus pickup and drop off will be at Ballard Park, next to McCowan Memorial Library. Cost is $2.00 or bring a canned food donation for the Pitman Food Pantry. Tickets can be purchased at the Pitman Gallery & Art Center.

President of the Greater Pitman Chamber of Commerce, Vanessa E. James, said that events like these are good for the businesses and the community as well.

“Special events like the Witches of Pitman Shoppe Hop provide fun, free activities for Pitman residents, but they also generate business for our Uptown and give us an opportunity to showcase our fantastic business community to first time visitors,” James said. “We are convinced that if we can get someone to come to Pitman for an event that they will return in the future to stay, eat, shop and stroll Pitman.”

Other activities include Hocus Pocus Trivia in Ballard Park beginning at 1:00 P.M., a Costume Contest Parade at 3:00 P.M. for ages 18 and over that includes recognition for best witches costume, best makeup, best shoes, and best hat. Interested participants need to register for the Costume Contest at Restored Antiquity 21 S. Broadway between 10:00 A. M. and 2:00 P.M.

Halloween fans of all ages can get in on the festive fall fun at The Pitman Gallery and Art Center’s pumpkin painting contest from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. For a $10 entry fee, participants will be given a Styrofoam pumpkin to decorate. The winner will receive a gift card and will be contacted after the contest ends. Winning pumpkin will be featured on our Facebook page.

There will also be live spooky music along Broadway and many of the businesses promise discounts and fun events.

The borough also offers a free shuttle to make getting around more convenient. Visitors can park at Bright Beginnings West Private Preschool, 536 Lambs Road. and catch the shuttle into Uptown Pitman with stops in front of the First Baptist Church of Pitman on Broadway and the intersection of East and Second Avenues near the Broadway Theatre of Pitman. The shuttle will make continuous loops from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. The shuttle runs every Saturday (except November 30) through December.

Article by SNJTODAY