In many towns, a parade of body parts and cadavers flying through the air and caskets driven by zombies, ghouls and goblins motoring down the street would be enough to inspire panic.

But not in Elmore.

In the Ottawa County village, these seemingly hellish happenings mean it’s time for the annual Tombstone Derby celebration, which this year will be held Oct. 29.

The family-friendly event, held in Depot Park, include pie-baking, pumpkin-carving and pet Halloween costume contest, crafts, games, kids’ activities and more.  A motorized casket drag race and kids’ battery-operated vehicle contest will also add to the fun.

A highlight of the Tombstone Derby activities is a parade of young boys and ghouls in their battery-powered vehicles. (Press photo by Ken Grosjean)

Kids 12 and under are invited to participate in the “Trails for Treats” sponsored by Elmore businesses, and in a magic school adventure sponsored by Woodmore teachers.

The grownups can participate in a Poker Run, and try their hands at a Body Part and Cadaver Toss.

In addition, the Elmore Historical Society will provide “ghoulish food” in the barn, including goulash, chili, chicken soup, hot dogs, Coney dogs, fries and Hobo stew.

Have an old ghost story or a haunting to share? Stop into the Train Depot between noon and 4 p.m. where the historical society will be filming ghostly tales for use in a countywide historical project for Halloween. For more information, contact Jen Fording at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 419-509-1918.             

The tentative schedule for the day’s events includes:

9-11 a.m. Registration for pumpkin-carving (log cabin) and pie-baking (fire station)

11 a.m.-noon: Registration for Motorized Caskets Races and kids battery-powered vehicles.

Noon: Pie and pumpkin judging. Pie pieces will be sold by the slice or a la mode after the judging. Pumpkins will be displayed in the Historical Cabin.

Noon: Pumpkin carving demonstration by Mark Moellman.

Noon-6 p.m.: Food available (historical barn)

1-5 p.m.: Magical Market and craft vendors.

1-5 p.m.: Kids’ Adventure Alley (games presented by Woodmore teachers)

1-2 p.m.: Parade of Fools and Kids Parade.

1-6 p.m.: Haunted Historical Cabin open (kid friendly)

2-3 p.m. p.m.: Trails for Treats.

3-4 p.m.: Pet Costume Contest, Body Part & Cadaver Toss

4-5 p.m.: Motorized Casket Drag Races and Poker Run

5:30-6 p.m.: Tombstone Derby and Awards Ceremony

For more information about the pie-baking and pumpkin contest, contact Renee Thomas at 419-574-1559.  For vendor information, call 419-350-8560.

For more information about the event, visit http://www.elmorehs.tripod.com/.

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