With only three weeks to put it all together, those behind the first Fall Back Into Milton event were thrilled with the outcome.

“It’s great,” said Ogre’s Grove owner Justin “Ogre” Sinnott. “I thought if 100 people showed up, that’s a success. It seems like everyone is really happy with everything.”

The basis for the event was Ogre’s Grove’s second anniversary party, planned Oct. 19. Milton Historical Society entered the picture and offered its Lydia Cannon Museum for vendors and events, and then Milton businesses got involved to offer the Trinket or Treat walk. Anyone in costume received maps at Ogre’s Grove of 10 businesses where they would get candy and other treats and have their map signed. Those who got all the signatures before 2 p.m. would get a free comic at Ogre’s Grove. 

The museum offered food from Dead Pig Tavern, mead from Brimming Horn Meadery, beer from Dogfish Head, and cider and baked goods from Milton Food Pantry. Kids painted pumpkins at the pollinator garden next to the museum, and Frantic Frets hosted a theremin contest. 

Milton library offered a magic show, and kids could draw glow-in-the-dark artwork and get a goodie bag and souvenir fire hat from Milton Fire Department. 

“I think it’s an overall success,” Sinnott said. “I can see next year maybe adding a parade component.”

Fall Back Into Milton was hastily organized by Milton businesses and nonprofits after Milton Theatre announced that Zombie Fest would be moving to Dewey Beach. 

“I think everyone was bummed,” Sinnott said of the reaction to Zombie Fest leaving. “We just kind of started putting things together as businesses. Everyone was prepared to do something this weekend, so let’s just do something. It doesn’t have to be huge right out of the gate.”

Kristen Latham, owner of Suburban Farmhouse and sister store The Speckled Roost, said, “I’m thrilled. It’s so much fun to look down the street and see all the kids in their outfits. I think we did a grand job.”

Mary Knight, president of Milton Historical Society, said, “We had hundreds of people come through today. It was really good to see all the community partners come together and do this.”

Councilman Kevin Kelly said, “It’s what Milton is all about. It’s a very friendly town. People just have a good time. It’s just great.”