The Temple Theatre joined forces with the Community Impact Alliance and downtown Houlton businesses to help bring the spirit of Halloween to life during the 2024 All Shires Eve celebration. Held on October 26, the event transformed Historic Downtown Houlton into a festive destination for families, children, and Halloween enthusiasts, with the Temple Theatre serving as one of the community’s primary gathering places throughout the day.

The theatre offered a full schedule of family-friendly activities and free entertainment designed to welcome visitors of all ages. Young moviegoers enjoyed complimentary matinee screenings of Casper and Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, while candy giveaways added to the excitement for children visiting the theatre. The family-focused programming provided a safe and fun environment where local families could celebrate the season together while enjoying classic Halloween-themed films on the big screen.

One of the highlights of the day was the All Shires Eve Halloween Costume Contest, which drew participants from across the region. Contestants competed for cash prizes in categories including Most Original Costume, Best Group Costume, and Best Movie-Themed Costume. Separate divisions for children and teens/adults ensured that participants of all ages had an opportunity to showcase their creativity and Halloween spirit. The contest brought energy and excitement to the event while encouraging community participation and friendly competition.

As the day progressed, the theatre continued its Halloween programming with screenings of current releases Smile 2 and Venom: The Last Dance. Later that evening, adult audiences were invited to enjoy a free screening of the horror classic IT, providing a fitting conclusion to a day filled with seasonal entertainment. The variety of programming allowed the theatre to offer something for everyone, from young families and casual moviegoers to dedicated horror fans.

By hosting multiple screenings, community activities, and special events throughout the day, the Temple Theatre played a central role in the success of All Shires Eve 2024. The celebration demonstrated the theatre’s commitment to serving as more than just a movie house, reinforcing its role as a community gathering place where residents and visitors can come together to create lasting memories. Through partnerships with local organizations and businesses, the event helped strengthen community connections while bringing thousands of people to downtown Houlton to celebrate the Halloween season.