The Westmont community is gearing up for a festive Halloween celebration, highlighted by the return of the Wicked West Fest. The event will feature a variety of activities on Saturday, including trick-or-treating from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with 60 local businesses participating in the candy distribution. Holy Trinity will also host a trunk-or-treat event during the same hours, featuring around 40 vehicles handing out treats.

In addition to trick-or-treating, the Westmont Park District will host its annual haunted forest, offering a family-friendly version from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. followed by a more adult-oriented experience from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The day promises to be packed with fun for all ages, encouraging community participation.

Voting has commenced for the town's scarecrow contest, with over 4,000 votes already cast for the 20 scarecrows displayed around town. Residents are urged to participate in the voting process.

In other community news, the Environmental Improvement Committee announced a pumpkin compost collection event scheduled for November 2, as well as a holiday lights recycling program starting November 1. The committee will also host a community recycling contest, inviting residents and businesses to sign up via the village website.

On the public safety front, the police department reported a successful year, raising $57,000 for the Illinois Special Olympics. The department also welcomed five new officers and discussed ongoing challenges related to e-bikes and e-scooters.

Residents are reminded that early voting will be available at the Westmont Public Library from October 21 to November 4, with additional registration options available through the county office. The village will also host a drug take-back day on October 26, providing a safe way for residents to dispose of unused medications.

As the community prepares for Halloween festivities, officials encourage participation in local events and remind residents of ongoing public safety initiatives and community engagement opportunities.