Halloween Symphony Spooktacular is an annual event hosted by the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra free to the public at Cascades Park
Photo Courtesy of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra.
Now that the Halloween season has arrived, Tallahassee residents are ready to embrace the celebrations. The Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra (TSO) hosted its annual “Halloween Symphony Spooktacular” event on Friday, Oct. 26th. The events were free and open to the public.
Held in Cascades Park, the event was set for trick or treaters to enjoy a spooky night full of fun, food, activities, and live entertainment. Trick or treating took place at 6 p.m. and was then followed by a concert at 7 p.m.
Tallahassee state worker Kathleen Bravado-Collin enjoyed how the event had something for everyone in her family to enjoy.
“My kids and I enjoy the music, food trucks and face painting,” Bravado-Collin said. “The music goes with the Halloween theme, it’s awesome”.
During the event, there were many things for kids and families to take part in. TSO hosted a costume contest for kids, families, and individual participants. Participants were required to register $5 per entry with the TSO office to enter the contest.
Three finalists from each group were brought on stage at the end of the concert to be judged and awarded. Some prizes that were given away were bags of candy, free TSO concert tickets and a free dining experience at The Edison restaurant.
TSO performed many well-known Halloween themed songs to get event attendants into the holiday spirit. Some song selections were “Thriller, “Ghostbusters”, the theme song from “Pirates of the Caribbean”, and “Another One Bites The Dust”.
Guest conductor Avalana Eisenberg and the orchestra also embraced the Halloween spirit with lively costumes.
“I was hoping that I wasn’t the only adult dressed for the occasion”, said Eisenburg. “I’m happy about the turnout of the crowd and I’m happy that I was given the opportunity to perform in the front of Tallahassee.”
TSO made sure to thank the First Commerce Credit Union and Florida Blue for their sponsorship to make the event free.
Although this was open to the public, animals and alcoholic beverages were not allowed near the amphitheater.
Event attendees had the choice to eat at the various food trucks which served everything from hamburgers to seafood. Orange cotton candy in the shape of pumpkins was also given to children who had their parent’s permission.
Florida A&M University nursing major Niecy Cooper enjoyed how festive the event made her feel.
“The food, fireworks, everything was amazing”, said Cooper. “I don’t have kids, yet I still enjoy wonderful events around the city”.
At the end of the event, attendees were able to enjoy a nice waterside firework show.
Each year, the TSO works to develop concerts and events to engage children and families. These special events include performances that typically involve school scheduling and performances that focus on youth educational experiences in music.
Later in the year, TSO will hold more concerts and events residents in Tallahassee can enjoy.