The Flour Mill at Summer Hill was absolutely buzzing on Friday, 31 October, as hundreds of local families poured into the precinct for an afternoon of spooky fun, laughter, and way too much cuteness to handle.
The Flour Mill residents really got into the Halloween spirit, too. A few turned their balconies into ‘candy command centres’, one couple set up a clever candy chute to deliver treats to the crowd below, while another resident lowered a bucket full of lollies from a fishing rod to the delight of the children. It was inventive, hilarious, and pure community magic.
From the moment the sun dipped low, the whole area came alive, tiny witches, pint-sized pumpkins, and even a few brave field mice toddled around the heritage laneways collecting treats from friendly neighbours and local businesses. Parents strolled alongside their little ones, many dressed up themselves, enjoying the warm, safe, and festive atmosphere that makes this event such a favourite.
The Flour Mill businesses were all a part of the fun. Prue from Paper Rock Scissors helped visitors get creative making spooky bats, while her colleague, artist India wowed the kids with colourful face painting. Deb from Hampton & French ran a creepy craft station where children decorated their own mini graveyard pots, while partner Greg kept everyone fed at the much-loved sausage sizzle. Tammy from Asterisque Dessert Bar crafted an irresistible sweet treat, the “Graveyard Choc Mousse Cup” that vanished almost as quickly as it appeared! The team from Headlands Coffee were out in full force (along with their friendly skeleton), serving Halloween-themed drinks and a spread of sweet and savoury goodies. The owners of The Granary Café joined in too, bringing along their two young children, a perfect reminder that the Flour Mill is not just a precinct, but a true place of belonging for families, locals, and the passionate small-business owners who pour their heart and soul into it every day. Meanwhile, the Jannawi staff and the wonderful Little BIG House volunteers handed out candy and temporary tattoos, keeping the fun going all afternoon.
Adding to the fun, local entertainer Eloise Talarico, who hails from nearby Bankstown, captivated the crowd with her mellow voice. She performed a mix of contemporary favourites and Halloween-inspired tunes that had everyone dancing and singing along. “I had such fun playing here,” Eloise said between songs, grinning at the sea of costumed kids. She agreed that is a beautiful and warm community, with a lot of energy and heart.
And speaking of costumes, the cuteness levels were off the charts. Tiny pumpkins were cradled in parents’ arms, chubby-cheeked field mice and mini monsters toddled around, and dinosaurs, Transformers, superheroes, fairies, mermaids, Disney princesses, and even a troupe of Harry Potters joined the parade, with an astonishing number of inflatable wearables bouncing about. One clever duo even arrived as a pair of summer-themed Crocs! Every corner sparkled with colour, laughter, and endless photo-worthy moments. The event was wonderfully safe and contained, giving families the freedom to explore, giggle, and enjoy the Halloween magic without a care in the world.
By the end of the event, as families headed home with tired feet and candy-filled buckets, one thing was clear, Halloween at the Flour Mill isn’t just an event, it’s a Flour Mill local tradition that keeps getting better (and cuter!) every year.