Haddyween Returns To Haddonfield

HADDONFIELD, NJ — Haddonfield is going prehistoric ahead of Halloween this year. Beware of dinosaurs wandering the charming downtown streets, but also keep an eye out for a window decorating contest at local businesses, contests, giveaways, and plenty of family fun.

Haddyween, now in its second year, is inspired byJohn Giannotti's Hadrosaurus foulkii sculpture “Haddy” located near Kings Highway and Chestnut Street. It’s based on an important dinosaur skeleton that wasunearthed in October 1858, in Haddonfield.

King’s Road Brewing Company owner and Open South Jersey partner Bob Hochgertel helped create Haddyween.

“This October marks 163 years since the Hadrosaurus skeleton was discovered here in Haddonfield,” Hochgertel said. “We’re so proud of the Haddy sculpture and happy to welcome everyone into downtown Haddonfield for shopping and fun on these crisp fall days.”

Open South Jersey started during the pandemic as the area’s go-to source for what was open during the early days of the shutdown. It has since added Operation Hiring, an initiative that connects job seekers with local employers to help solve the ongoing labor shortage.

The event runs through Oct. 31. The public is invited to vote in the window decorating contest. Voting offers the chance to win gift cards from the participating businesses. Voting closes at 5 p.m. Halloween night. Winners of both the contest and the gift card will be announced at that time.

Some Haddonfield eateries will be serving up Haddyween specials, including:

• DiBartolo's Bakery: Hadrosaurus Cookie -- Haddy shaped shortbread cookies
• Downtown Cookies: “The Haddy” -- Chocolate Cookie w/ Dino & Halloween sprinkles
• Nocella Ristorante: Green Haddy [Pesto] Pasta with Burrata
• Pizza Crime: “The Speziato” -- Chorizo and jalapeno pie w/ homemade mozz & fontina
• The Bistro: Haddysaurus Pancakes -- Pumpkin pancakes with chocolate chips

Some other Halloween-related activities in Haddonfield this year include:

• Halloween Costume Drive: Families can bring their gently used Halloween costumes to local schools in November. They will be donated to children in need in South Jersey.
• On Oct. 29 and 30, join the Haddonfield Historical Society’s Haunted Haddonfield Walking Tours.
• On Halloween week King’s Road Brewing Company will release its seasonal special Hadrosaur Hop Giant Imperial IPA.
• On Oct. 30, join Haddonfield’s Halloween parade, organized by the Haddonfield Celebrations Association.
• On Oct. 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Lindsay Watson McCarthy of Weichert Realtors at 132 Kings Highway will offer free pumpkin-shaped soft pretzels from Camden County’s own A&A Soft Pretzels and photo ops with a costumed Haddy -- McCarthy will also sell Halloween Luminarias to support Interfaith Caregivers.
• Throughout October, families can participate in the Haddonfield Historical Society’s Halloween Scavenger Hunt.