Hampton prepares for Halloween with ‘blood slime,’ dog costumes and more

Before trick-or-treating, kids in Hampton can create model bones, build “blood slime” to learn about components of blood and examine teeth — all while wearing a costume — at a Little Medical School “Creepy Body Parts Pop-up” on Oct. 28.

The pop-up is part of a series of events the township is hosting for Halloween. Amber Pucciarelli, a part-time manager for the Department of Community Services, said it’s a fun opportunity for about 25 children ages 5-11 to learn about science, and for parents to have some free time.

“For kids that want to explore more science outside of school — if they really enjoy that — it’s a fun non-school thing,” Pucciarelli said.

The pop-up is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Hampton Township Community Center, with check-in at 5:15. The cost is $45, which Pucciarelli said pays for supplies and employees from Little Medical School, a science education organization. The township is also holding “Little Sports Medicine” and “Little Equine Veterinarian” classes starting at the end of the month.

Other than the pop-up, Melanie Martino, the department’s marketing and event coordinator, said they’ve planned more popular activities.

Voting begins on Oct. 21 for the township’s online costume contest for dogs. People can submit their dog photos until Oct. 19. The winner will be announced Oct. 28.

Hampton residents can carve pumpkins of all shapes and sizes for a contest. Pumpkins must be dropped off outside of the Community Center before 2 p.m. on Oct. 21, with judging taking place the same day.

Children and parents can enjoy candy, cookies, a haunted hayride and costume contest for kids ages 10 and under at the Halloween Parade on Oct. 22 from 1-3 p.m. in the Hampton Community Park. Registration for this event has closed, and Martino said they can’t accommodate any more people so they have the correct amount of supplies.

Trick-or-treating will take place on Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m.

“The costumes that the children (and adults) participate in get more creative each year,” Martino said of the Halloween Parade. “This is a great event for children to participate in at all ages!”

Participants can register for all of the events at www.hampton-pa.org.