10/21/2023 | Pomme de Terre State Park | Pittsburg, MO
Join in on the fun at the Pomme de “Terror” Halloween Spooktacular at the Hermitage Area Campground. Activities will include presentations on Halloween safety and creatures that scream in the night, as well as a Howl-o-Ween pooch parade, trick-or-treating through the campground, Halloween-themed contests and a game of Fear Factor. We'll complete the day with free popcorn, hot chocolate and a movie at the amphitheater.
Schedule of Activities:
11 a.m. – Halloween Safety – Park Ranger Wright
Meet our park ranger at the Hermitage amphitheater for a presentation on Halloween safety tips.
11:30 a.m. – Lunch – Marina
Concessions will have food available for purchase at the Hermitage store. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and visit with staff and other campers.
12:30 p.m. – Hawl-o-Ween Pooch Parade
Who doesn’t love a dog in costume? A new event this year, the pooch parade promises to be a doggone good time. Parade participants and their owners should meet near the Hermitage Area Showerhouse parking lot. Park guests are invited to line the parade route to watch the dogs strut their stuff. Judges will be looking for the best costumes and will award ribbons for first, second and third place. Pets must be on a leash and under control throughout the parade.
1:30 p.m. – Screams in the Night – Naturalist Chuck Crompton
You’re lying in bed, sound asleep or counting sheep as you drift off to sleep. And then, a scream! Many creatures make mysterious noises in the night, but in darkness it can be hard to tell just which species made that blood-curdling scream you heard. Join Chuck at the Hermitage amphitheater for a chilling program on animals that scream in the night.
2 p.m. – Pumpkin Carving Contest
Bring your carved jack-o’-lanterns to the Hermitage amphitheater for judging. Impress our judges and compete for the title of scariest, funniest or most creative jack-o’-lantern. Entries cannot win in more than one category. Winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded immediately following the judging.
2:30 p.m. – Fear Factor
This game is not for the faint of heart. Join us at the Hermitage amphitheater as we challenge random squeamish and non-squeamish contestants to interact with disgusting items and complete various stunts. The game is designed for teens and adults. Not so brave? Come watch contestants compete for a chance to win a prize and Fear Factor bragging rights.
4 p.m. – Costume Contest
Park staff will be the judge and jury of this popular event at the Hermitage amphitheater. We hope we don’t have a hung jury, as prizes will be awarded for the scariest costume, funniest costume and most creative costume in three age groups: 0-6, 7-14, and 15 and up. Entrants cannot win in more than one category. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded immediately following the judging.
4:30-6 p.m. – Trick-or-Treating through the Campground
Campground guests and visitors are invited to participate in a self-guided trick-or-treating event in the Hermitage Area Campground. Campers are encouraged to provide candy for trick-or-treaters. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
7 p.m. – Camp-o-Ween Decorating Contest
Decorate your campsite in the Hermitage Area Campground with the best Halloween decor you can find. Judging for the best-decorated campsite will begin at 7 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the top three sites. Decor must remain on the participant’s site and not carry over into other sites, or into roadways, trails or other areas. Decor must be completely removed from the site prior to camper checkout.
7:30 p.m. – Movie, Popcorn and Hot Chocolate
Enjoy a movie, popcorn and hot chocolate at the Hermitage amphitheater. Our featured movie this year is “The Munsters.” Released in 2022, this horror comedy is based on the 1960s sitcom of the same title. The movie is 109 minutes long and is rated PG.
Event Time: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Event Location: Pomme de Terre State Park Hermitage Area Campground (All activities will occur on the Hermitage side of the park, not on the Pittsburg side.)
Click here for a complete list of fall fun events in Missouri State Parks.
The Pomme de Terre State Park office is located at: