October in Downtown Lake Orion finds it awash in the traditional beauty of Fall – colorful mums, tall cornstalks, rotund pumpkins, fall floral displays, and sturdy strawbales. Merchants have decorated their storefronts with images leaning on thoughts of cooler weather, falling leaves, and brisk mornings. It doesn’t take long to find areas in town that make a perfect backdrop for photos, such as the Flint St. Alley or head over to Children’s Park gazebo for a seat on a park bench decked out with cozy pillows and blankets, flanked by fall décor and topped with a lit chandelier – a perfect capture of Fall in a small downtown.
Fashioning the downtown with all the season splendors prepares downtown Lake Orion for shoppers and visitors ready for fun, family-friendly October events.
The first weekend in October welcomes the Here Lies Lake Orion Cemetery Tour. It’s an immersive journey held during the light of day in Evergreen Cemetery area. This special event, hosted by the Orion Historical Society in partnership with the Lake Orion DDA, offers a unique opportunity to explore the stories of four notable families buried there. Discover their fascinating histories and learn about their significant contributions to the Lake Orion area. Tours are $12 per ticket and tour times are 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. It is a walking tour held rain or shine. Dates are October 4 and 5. Buy tickets at www.orionhistoricalsociety.com. Presented by Orion Historical Society and Lake Orion DDA.
Halloween Extravaganza, a signature downtown Lake Orion Fall event, will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Dress up in your favorite costume, grab your candy bag and come downtown to trick or treat with downtown businesses. Children’s Park area will be brimming with cider & donuts from the Lake Orion DDA, games, treats, and spooky music. Follow the “Trick or Treat Trail Map” through downtown, finding treats at businesses along your route. The parade starts at Village Hall (Church and Anderson Streets) and makes it way down Anderson St. to Children’s Park. Gather your ghouls and superheros to stage at 5:30 p.m. and parade begins at 6 p.m.
Grab your brooms and cauldrons for the annual night on the town with Witches Night on October 24, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the downtowns of Lake Orion and Oxford. The Downtown Express Trolley will be making its rounds between the two communities all evening. Merchants have conjured up spine-tingling deals and spooky activities. Restaurants are joining in with witchy-themed food and beverages to complete the night. Costumes are highly encouraged, and warlocks are welcomed, too. Photo booth, musical entertainment, psychics, and prizes will add to the fun and festivities.
For further information, contact the Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority (DDA) at 248-693-9742 or see more details at www.downtownlakeorion.org. More information is also on Facebook: LakeOrionDDA, Instagram: DowntownLakeOrion, or X: LakeOrionDDA.
