GILPIN COUNTY — Princesses, pirates, skeletons, and even an inflatable shark were wandering around the Gilpin County Community Center on October 23 and 24, 2026, for the annual Spooky Stroll.

And it wasn't just the kids getting into the Halloween spirit—adults dressed up, too, some looking just as ridiculous and scary as the little ones.

There must have been at least 300 people there Friday night, making it one of the biggest community turnouts of the year.

The kids were especially ghoulish. Some were downright frightening, with their screams and wicked cackles echoing through the haunted barn. They seemed to be enjoying every minute of it.

This year, Gilpin County Parks and Recreation and Main Street© Central City joined forces to bring several Halloween activities together for one big shindig.

Mary Ann Yuthas with Central City Main Street© said the group decided to move its pumpkin patch and Halloween festivities to the Community Center rather than hold a separate event in Central City.

With so many organizations trying to put on events around the same time, why not combine them?

Central City’s Main Street organization sold pumpkins for $10 each, and the Infamous Backroom brought cabaret dancers and Michael Jackson to the party with a flash mob performance of "Thriller."

Along the Community Center’s outdoor trail, families made their way before dark, stopping at decorated stations to collect candy. Timberline Fire Protection District, the Gilpin County Sheriff's Office, and other community members volunteered to hand out treats.

There were the Halloween classics like pumpkin chunkin', hayrides, hot cocoa, and a pumpkin patch. 

Inside the Community Center, kids bounced on inflatables, played carnival games, tried their luck at tic-tac-toe and duck fishing, and joined a cake walk with Gilpin Cheer.

In the parking lot, The Wandering Potato food truck and MC Squared Ice Cream served food and treats.

The trick-or-treat trail and sensory room were free, while $10 wristbands covered the haunted barn, hayrides, and carnival games. The cake walk and pumpkin patch accepted cash or checks.

But something else was going on behind all the Halloween fun.

Krystal Meyer, the Special Events Coordinator for Gilpin County Parks and Recreation, explained that kids in sixth through 12th grades were helping raise money for their own activities by working at the event.

Some ran carnival games, while others had the fun job of scaring people in the haunted barn. (Not a bad way for teens to let off some steam, I thought.)

A portion of the wristband money went to Main Street Central City, while another portion went toward the youth groups whose members helped out.

Meyer said the kids were raising money for soccer, baseball, basketball, track, Interact (a Rotary-sponsored community service club), and theater.

So, while the younger kids were filling their bags with candy, the older ones were earning money for the programs they enjoy.

By 7 p.m., a long line had formed outside the Haunted Barn, with families eager to see what was lurking inside. The young volunteers were ready, hiding in the darkness and waiting for their next victims.

Screams, shrieks, and nervous laughter could be heard, echoing throughout the barn. Some of those kids were pretty convincing little monsters!

It was a big weekend for Gilpin families, and bringing everyone together for the first time this year seemed to work out pretty well. Kids got candy, the older ones raised money, and even the grown-ups had an excuse to dress up.