Sugar Hill Market in Marion holds first Spooktacular for Halloween

On Friday, Oct. 30, Sugar Hill Market held its last event for the 2026 season with a Spooktacular and photographer John Sacco was there to capture the event in his photos. The farmers market and event space held a Halloween celebration complete with a trunk-or-treat, vendors and even a Haunted Barn. This event marked the finale of the first season for the Sugar Hill Market, located at 8331 Sugar Hill Road south of Marion. This new farmers market for Marion opened in August. It was open on Fridays from 4-9 p.m. from August through October. It is affiliated with the GOAT Collaborative, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Marion. The GOAT Collaborative has “a simple but powerful goal: strengthen the organizations that strengthen our communities.” The nonprofit is based at Resilience Ranch, a 36-acre property along Sugar Hill Road that is planned for eight acres of agriculture, 18 acres of forested trails and recreation and a planned inn for overnight guests, according to previous stories by The McDowell News. “With a Halloween theme, everyone had fun while providing merchandise and food for our neighbors,” Sacco said on Facebook. “Little goblins came from all over to experience the Haunted Barn and other activities and vendors. And especially the performances by Katie Harmon.” Katie Harmon, an aerial artist, posed for photos and helped the children experience swinging on the “silks.” Harmon gave three outstanding performances at this year's Spooktacular. “She also explained on her performance's meaning on a caterpillar's development into a beautiful butterfly and how it is similar to our lifestyles,” Sacco said. Harmon moved from her professional career as a dancer in Chicago to return to the mountains and family and friends that she loves. She hopes to start training young future dancers in the area, according to Sacco. “Please wish her luck and our support for her return to our area,” he said. “Everyone enjoyed the night and wished it would not end. Resilience Ranch plans future activities at their facility, so keep monitoring their website,” Sacco added. He said there will be an additional album showing Harmon's performances. To see more of John Sacco’s photos of the Spooktacular, visit www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=john.sacco.98&set=a.29176111048675824.

To see his photos of Katie Harmon’s performance, visit www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=john.sacco.98&set=a.29183237534629842.