For one evening each October, Lantana Trail becomes a Halloween wonderland as thousands of costumed children and their families take over the street for one of the community’s most beloved traditions.
Event details
The award‑winning Lantana Monster Mile returns Saturday, Oct. 24, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., beginning at Lantana Town Green and winding along Lantana Trail. Now in its 24th year, the event features a three‑quarter‑mile route on both sides of the trail, packed with live characters, larger‑than‑life decorations and 27 candy stations.
“It’s an experience,” said Lantana Community Manager Kathy Epperson. “There are blow‑ups, candy and decorations, and it all goes up in one morning and comes down that evening.” While the Monster Mile itself lasts about two hours, Epperson noted it takes roughly 18 hours of preparation to make it happen.
Volunteer and business support
“Monster Mile runs on neighbor power,” Epperson explained, highlighting the essential role of volunteers and local sponsors. The event attracts an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 costumed children and their parents each year. Volunteers staff candy stations, hand out treats and high‑fives, and assist with crowd control and safety. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old unless accompanied by an adult, allowing families with younger children to serve together.
Local businesses can participate by sponsoring a candy station for $250. Sponsors receive signage displaying their logo at the station, as well as exposure on the Lantana community website and in mass emails sent to more than 4,000 Lantana homes. The community provides the candy and signage, creating a true partnership between residents and merchants.
History and community impact
The Monster Mile tradition dates back to 2003 and has persisted even when circumstances threatened a traditional celebration. During the COVID‑19 pandemic in 2020, organizers faced possible cancellation. Instead, Gold Landscape, Insight Association Management and community volunteers found an alternative, distributing candy to homes throughout Lantana.
This commitment to neighborly service helped the Lantana Community Association earn the 2024 Community Spirit Award from the Dallas‑Fort Worth Chapter of the Community Associations Institute.
Looking ahead
The Monster Mile is traditionally held the Saturday before Halloween, leaving Halloween night open for Lantana families to enjoy neighborhood trick‑or‑treating together. Although the event is limited to Lantana residents, organizers say its success demonstrates what can happen when neighbors, volunteers and businesses work together.
For more information on sponsorships or volunteering, contact the Lantana Community Association at 940‑728‑1660 or [email protected].
Holiday market invitation
After Halloween, the Lantana Ladies League Holiday Market will kick off holiday shopping on Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Lantana Golf Club. The free event features unique gifts and treats from local vendors, with a VIP experience from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. that includes Santa and Mrs. Claus, a seasonal shopping bag, and festive cocktails available for purchase. Proceeds support local families in need.
Original reporting: Cross Timbers Gazette — read the source article.
