Tree-lighting begins at 4:30 p.m.

The Downtown Middleton Business Association will deck the City Hall on Sunday in a public celebration to include illuminating the hall’s Christmas tree, warm drinks and an appearance from Santa Claus.

The festive gathering at Middleton City Hall begins at 4:30 p.m. with the tree-lighting ceremony followed by carol-singing until 5 p.m. Hot chocolate, coffee and treats will also be offered and merrymakers will have the chance to visit with Santa from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Organizers asked the community to bring a canned food item to donate to the Middleton Outreach Ministry’s food pantry.

A Waunakee conservancy will offer free admission to its annual Halloween-themed event Oct. 27 from 6-8:30 p.m.

Schumacher Farm Park’s “Halloween at the Farm” will feature old-fashioned games, face painting, live music and a bonfire. The farm said the event will go on as planned regardless of weather conditions and kids are encouraged to wear costumes.

In addition to the free festivities Schumacher’s will offer hayrides in its prairie and concessions for purchase.  Hayrides cost $3 (reduced fee for kids age 4-12 is $2; childen under 3 ride free). Popcorn, cider, s’mores and cookies will be sold.

The 40-acre farmstead, which is also a Dane County Park, functions as a living museum educating farm-goers on 1920s rural life in Wisconsin.

Schumacher Farm Park is located about 12 miles north of downtown Madison in Waunakee, Wis. Halloween at the Farm is one of several annual celebration events held at Schumacher’s.