Columbus Commotion

The Commotion is a publication of the City of Columbus and a guide for finding fun, smart, and healthy activities going on in the Columbus area.  Library, Recreation, and Community Center and other City departments and even community events for all ages are included. Feel free to download our Fall 2023 publication!

October Fun!

The Columbus Recreation Department, Community Center and Public Library have a host of wonderful activities in the month of October, culminating in the annual Halloween Freak Week festivities. 

Stop by the Library for The Great Pumpkin Hunt! During the month of October, Miss Helen will have pumpkins hidden in the downstairs area for children to find. Check them off as they are found, and participants can then redeem completed sheets for a small prize.

On Friday, October 6, the Community Center will host Chad Lewis, a well-known author and paranormal investigator, who has investigated both the library and city hall buildings. This presentation takes the audience on a ghostly journey to some of the most haunted places in the state! 

Halloween Bingo will take place on Tuesday, October 24 at the Community Center from 6-8 pm or until supplies last. All are welcome, so come early and don't be late!

Wednesday, October 25 at 7pm (parking opens at 5:30pm) features the Halloween Drive-In Movie in the Park. Please dress up in your favorite costume for the costume parade at 6:45pm. Prizes will be awarded for best overall, funniest, scariest, and most creative costume categories. It's free to participate and a bag of treats will be provided. Please bring blankets, pillows, or chairs to sit on.

October 28 is an all-day party! From 10am - 2pm, Family Fun is Going to the Dogs at the Community Center. The family costume contest and parade begin at 10:30am. Come hungry as there will be a brat fry by the Columbus Area Historical Society along with an ice cream social that includes pup cups. The Library will have a read to your dog area with the Friends of the Library hosting a pet-friendly book sale. Recreation Department will have a Pup Art station and will provide supplies. Lots of fun activities for the whole family! At 7pm, make sure to head over to Kiwanis Park for the Columbus Recreation Community Bonfire with music - it's a party under a thousand stars! Then at 8pm, at Kiwanis Park, kids can join in on the Pumpkin Hunt. Each participant will be given a number that will match a corresponding "pumpkin" (eggs) hidden in the park. Bring back the matching numbered pumpkin to the Open Shelter in Kiwanis Park to claim a gift bag! Participants must register on MYREC by October 13, 2023.

Calling all goblins, ghosts, and ghouls! City-wide Trick or Treat will take place on Sunday, October 29 from 4-7pm. Get all dressed up in your favorite Halloween costume and visit friendly neighbors for some yummy treats. Homes that are participating will have a front door/porch light on. Don't forget to stop by the Columbus Fire Station for the safe Trick or Treat at various booths from local downtown businesses at this fun seasonal community gathering!

Contests

October 23rd through the 29th is the annual Halloween Freak Week! The Recreation Department invites residents to participate in the Home Decorating and Pet Costume Contests. 

Halloween Home Decorating Contest: There is no fee to enter, and all residents who live within the city limits have to do is decorate their home's exterior. Judging will be based on originality, creativity, and the overall "wow" effect. Make sure to download and print the Commotion to get the contest entry form. Submissions are due no later than October 20, 2023!

Forms can be mailed to:

Halloween Home Decorating Contest
Columbus Recreation Department
161 N Dickason Blvd
Columbus WI 53925

Or emailed to Amy Jo at recreation@columbuswi.gov.

Pet Costume Contest: Email photos to Amy Jo or mail/drop off entries at 161 N. Dickason Blvd to participate. Please make sure to include your pet's name, your address and phone number. Entries must be received by October 31st and winners will be notified November 7th!