Jack O’Lantern Jubilee Returns Oct. 23 With Candy, Costumes, and Community – Plus Help for Winter Heating

The Department of Social Services is getting ready for one of the most-loved fall events in town: the Jack O’Lantern Jubilee, set for Thursday, Oct. 23, 6–8 p.m. at the Social Services track and field. Organizers Nichole Johns and Michelle Smeltzer say it grows every year — and this one will be busy, bright, and free.

“It’s fun, they love it,” Johns said of the vendors who come back year after year. This time, there are 50+ vendors, and more are still signing up. Kids (and grown-ups) will make the rounds “table-and-treat” style. Vendors bring their own candy and decorate their tents, so the track becomes a loop of lights, costumes, and sweets.

There are no food trucks at the Jubilee — that’s on purpose. The event is free, and no one needs to spend money to join in. Don’t worry: there’s plenty of candy, plus a big cake walk with 30+ cakes and extra treats to keep things moving until the last pastry is claimed.

You’ll also find:

• Moon bounces provided by Bash Basics
• Cinderella’s carriage from Shenandoah Carriage Company
• Games led by Warren County Parks & Rec
• A photo booth by In the Moment Photo Booth
• An inflatable race for pure, silly fun
• Warren County Fire & Rescue with trucks on site

Staff and volunteers will be in costume — some in new inflatable outfits — and the stadium lights will be on so it feels like daytime. There’s no age limit. Bring the whole family.

Johns and Smeltzer offered a long list of sponsors and helpers who donated candy, supplies, or funds: Bash Basics; Shenandoah Carriage Company; Target; Lindsay Chevrolet; LD’s; Spelunker’s; El Maguey; Martin’s; Warren County Rotary; Goose Creek Events; the Smeltzer family; Rebecca Moore and family; Megan Vardaman and the Robey family. Local support, they said, is what keeps the Jubilee free and growing.

Resource Fair follows in December

Right after the fun of the Jubilee comes a chance to learn and connect. The Quarterly Resource Fair will take place on Wednesday, December 3, from 1–3 p.m. at the Warren County Community Center. Dozens of nonprofits and agencies will be there with information on housing, health, child and family services, recovery, legal help, senior services, and more. It’s a great stop if you need help, want to help someone else, or want to know what’s available in Warren County. If you need information before then, you can call Social Services and ask for Nicole.

Fuel and crisis assistance: apply now

Fuel Assistance is open from Oct. 14 to Nov. 14. This benefit helps with heating costs, including utility bills or fuel for heat. It’s income-based, and the state sets the amount. Staff encourage anyone who might qualify to apply, especially larger families whose income limits are higher than many expect.

Crisis Assistance opens Nov. 1–Mar. 15 for equipment repairs and similar emergencies. Help with paying a cutoff notice runs from January 2 to March 15. These programs are also income-based. If you’re unsure which program fits your situation, call or stop by — staff can walk you through it.

Food pantry needs simple, shelf-stable items

Social Services maintains a food pantry for residents awaiting SNAP benefits or those in need of emergency food — including unhoused neighbors and families staying in motels. Shelves are low, and the team shared a “most-needed” list that works for a wide range of living situations (including no-stove or microwave-only):

• Peanut butter and jelly
• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Fruit cups; canned fruit and veggies
• Granola bars
• Tuna or chicken pouches
• Microwavable rice
• Chef Boyardee / pop-top meals
• Canned meats (Spam, canned ham)
• Mac & cheese (boxes and cups)
• Meat sticks
• Shelf-stable milk; cereal

Donations can be dropped off at Social Services during business hours.

The Jubilee is simple: come in costume, loop the track, play games, grab photos, wave at the fire trucks, and fill your bag with candy — Thursday, Oct. 23, 6–8 p.m. It’s free, it’s safe, and it’s powered by neighbors who care. Then circle Dec. 3 for the Resource Fair, and if you need help with heating or food, apply now and reach out. The team is ready to help.