Ravenna – Woody from Toy Story, pieces of Candy Corn with legs, Iron Man, Dinosaurs and Elves all roamed the streets of Ravenna looking for treats. They braved all the tricks of wind and rain that Mother Nature blew our direction. Jumping spiders, flying spirits and evil clowns lurked all over, setting off mixed shouts of joy and fear at Saturday’s Halloween Walk as gremlins and ghouls received a wide array of cavity-causing deliciousness.
Practically every business in town was involved in the production and presentation of festivities for the betterment of Ravenna’s sense of togetherness and positive progress. If you weren’t able to make it out then don’t worry I’ll fill you in, but make sure you save the date for next year because you won’t want to miss this awesome experience that is becoming quite the event to participate in no matter what your age.
Huge grins from ear to ear were all you could see from Downtown Betty’s Salon all the way up to Guido’s Pizza and at numerous establishments and organizations in between. Owners and employees dressed in various costumes and passed out candy.
And the fun didn’t stop there because if you were up for a scare then have no fear (or should I say, have lots of fear, hahah!) because Tina Reynolds and staff of Salon NeXt were happy to oblige. Like something out of a mix of thriller and horror movies the inside of the shop had been transformed into your worst nightmare (hopefully you don’t live on Elm Street. You get it, right?!) Stephen Kings “It” clown, headless figures and faceless beings roamed the hall. A contortionist character walked upside down on all fours in a menacing attitude while skeletons relaxed in the chairs waiting to get their hair done. Wah ha ha! Is your hair standing on end yet?!
The Community Leadership Institute Mural Ribbon Cutting and self-guided walk was a highlight of the city-wide activities. Over the last several months many colorful, inspirational and historical murals have been appearing on the sides of buildings all over Ravenna. They include:
– Parkway Mural 1 & 2 on Parkway Alley leading to the movie theater. Designed by Jim Neidert and painted by War Horse Ink.
– Hot Air Balloons mural located at the corner of Sycamore and Main St. Created by War Horse Ink.
– Follow Your Dreams behind Salon NeXt at the corner of Hickory Way and Lynn
– Dare to Fly also at Hickory Way and Lynn. Painted by Amanda Wascovich.
– Courthouse Mural at 233 South Chestnut Street.
If you add in all the Halloween themed window décor and paintings by Ravenna High School students, our town was really something beautiful to behold. For video footage and pictures of all the window artwork, check out the Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
Other interesting things happening were the Grand Opening of Vance’s Carriage House Creamery the uniquely pastel painted storefront which is a family owned Hershey’s Ice Cream and Fudge Shop. Located at 252 West Main Street.
Then the West Main Street Winery had a witch and a zombie cheerleader brewing a cauldron of delicious Chardonnay for you to sample. Not to mention the haunted paranormal activity presentation taking place on their 2nd floor. It was a hair tingling fright fest as a ghost greeted you when you went up the steps. If you missed it, it’s OK; they are open almost every day and owners Jim, DeAnne and A.J. Wade love to answer all your questions about the paranormal research they had experienced during the investigation. Keep an eye out behind the scenes at the winery because another mural will be gracing Ravenna with its presence on the back-deck area.
