A series of community events in Keokuk, Iowa, will take place over the weekend of October 23, inviting residents and visitors to engage in festive activities. Starting with a book sale at the Keokuk Public Library, the sale is set for both Thursday, October 23, and Friday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The sale offers a chance to purchase books at half price on Friday, making it an attractive opportunity for bibliophiles.
On Friday, the downtown area will come alive with the Trick or Treat event from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Local businesses will distribute candy to children dressed in costumes. This event, hosted by Main Street Keokuk, Inc., promises a festive atmosphere for families. Additionally, a trunk or treat will occur at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 2470 Jackson Avenue, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The celebrations continue with the Nauvoo German Heritage Celebration, which will take place at the Knights of Columbus Hall, located at 1275 Mulholland St., from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Attendees can enjoy traditional food, beverages, and activities. For those seeking thrills, the Lake Cooper Foundation will host its ExScream Nightmarez haunted house in the basement of the Lake Cooper building at 810 Main St. in Keokuk from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is priced at $10 per person. The evening will conclude with Top Dogg Karaoke at the Cellar, starting at 9 p.m.
The weekend events continue on Saturday, October 25, with the Fifth Annual Haunted Hustle at MissFit Studio, located at 1830 Keokuk St. in Hamilton, Illinois, beginning at 9 a.m. This fun run/walk will benefit the Quincy St. Jude Run, and costumes are encouraged to enhance the festive spirit. The Keokuk Public Library will again host its book sale from 9 a.m. to noon, featuring a special deal where attendees can fill a bag for just $1.
In nearby Nauvoo, the Pumpkin Walk will feature a pumpkin launcher demonstrating its skills from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a Spooky Trail Parade at 5 p.m. Visitors can also explore a haunted house at the former N-C Elementary School from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., with over 400 carved jack-o’-lanterns on display.
The ExScream Nightmarez haunted house will be open again on Saturday night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Keokuk, continuing the spooky theme of the weekend.
Sunday, October 26, will feature the 12th Annual Cider Run Car Show at Appleberry Orchard, located at 2469 Highway 2 near Donnellson, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event will showcase cars, trucks, bikes, and tractors, along with trick-or-treat stations for children. A taco dinner will be served at the Argyle Presbyterian Church from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a freewill donation, supporting community outreach.
At 2 p.m., The Liverpool Legends will perform at the Legacy Theater in Carthage, Illinois. Later in the day, food enthusiasts can enjoy the Food Truck Frenzy from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of the First Christian Church. This event will feature local food trucks and live music, with a silent auction benefiting the Keokuk Homeless Alliance.
Finally, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Trucks and Treats will take place at New Testament Christian Church on 1578 Hilton Road in Keokuk. This free event will offer inflatable attractions, big trucks, fancy cars, and a trunk or treat, rounding off a weekend filled with community spirit and family-friendly activities.
