Harvest Fest At South Mountain Reservation: 2025 Halloween Events

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Essex County Sheriff’s Office will host the first annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the South Mountain Reservation Oakdale Parking Lot on Cherry Lane. The event will take place rain or shine and is open to residents of all ages.

Families can look forward to an afternoon of activities including pumpkin painting, apple cider, donuts, hayrides, music, games, and more, offering a joyful and relaxing space for Essex County neighbors to come together and celebrate the season. The festival is organized by the Sheriff’s Community Engagement Team, a new unit launched under Sheriff Jones’ administration to foster deeper connection between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

“I’m excited to continue connecting with residents all across the county,” Sheriff Amir D. Jones said. “When I took office, I wanted to make sure we weren’t just showing up in moments of crisis, but in moments of joy too. The Harvest Festival is about family, fun, and fellowship — creating spaces where people see law enforcement as neighbors who care, not just officers who respond.”

The Harvest Festival follows the success of the sheriff’s first annual Backpack Giveaway held in August, which provided hundreds of students with free school supplies for the new academic year. Together, these initiatives represent a new era of leadership rooted in visibility, collaboration, and compassion.

Please note there is no fee to attend this event. Donations are welcomed to support the Essex County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Inc. Thanksgiving and Christmas Drive.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here.