Skeletons in the Ville
Posted on 09/30/2025
Mayor Brian Turnbull

NORTHVILLIANS,

This week, we will continue our Fall Series as we ready for October and its renowned Halloween celebration in the Ville, including the most spectacular event called “Skeletons Are Alive,” a DDA event. Before transitioning this week, I wanted to thank those that came out online and in person for the “State of the Community” (Link), additionally it was great to see many of you at the Northville Parks and Recreation Northville Nite at the Marv Gans athletic fields on Beck.

Before I update you on that, I would like to congratulate our Senior of the Year that we honored 9/30 at Genitti’s. The 2025 recipient was Marlene Kunz. For over 40 years she has assisted our seniors, and today she still runs Northville Civic Concern – congrats, Marlene, on behalf of all Northvillians!

Today I will write about the “Skeletons Are Alive” Kickoff Party which happens Saturday, October 4th in downtown Northville. Many of the businesses will be open and will be part of the festivities. Streets will certainly be alive Saturday night, with thousands ready to listen to the music of Social Bones and dancers performing in town. There will be over 200 skeletons on display! To add to the atmosphere, there will be fire jugglers, street performers and family fun activities spread throughout the night. The town’s restaurants and businesses are gearing up and food trucks will try to keep up with added demand. The Ghostbusters’ vehicle and all their crew will be on hand.

The following Friday October 10th, the activities will continue with the Cemetery Tours at our Historic Oakwood grounds (Link) where I have been asked (dressed in Victorian attire) to address each tour before they enter the cemetery walk. The tour includes actors portraying our founders who shaped our storied history. Our Oakwood Cemetery is in the midst of being renovated with the assistance of the Cemetery Restoration TEAM. Know, we have veterans there from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and of course, the Civil War… it is one of the oldest cemeteries in Michigan. This event is supported by The Northville Art House and the Northville Historical Society. If interested in preservation of this historic final resting place, please attend the next Cemetery Restoration meeting … or reach out to me directly (see below).

Before looking at Skeletons are Alive, let’s see today's events:

  • Homecoming Parade downtown – 10/3, 6pm Link
  • Skeletons Are Alive – Launch Party 10/4, 5-9pm Link
  • Mill Race Historical Village -10/5, 1-4pm, Final Sunday hours of the season
  • Maybury Corn Maze – 9/26-11/2 on weekends (Link) and Fall Festival Fundraiser, 10/11, 10-5pm (Link)
  • Oakwood Cemetery Tour – 10/10, 5 – 8pm Link
  • Witches’ Night Out downtown Northville 10/16, 6-10:30pm Link
  • Halloween Hysteria at Mill Race Village – 10/19 at 1-3, 3-5pm Link
  • Chamber’s Streets of Treats – 10/26, 12-4pm Link
  • Spooktacular House Decorating Contest Link
  • Victorian Funeral Tea for Mr. Dunlap, 10/25, 1pm at Mill Race Village, call for tickets (248.348.1845)
  • Streets of Treats Downtown (Chamber Event), 10/26, 12-3pm Link
  • Tipping Point Theatre – “The Shark is Broken” is showing now. Link
  • Parmenter’s Cider Mill (Our local Cider Mill) open daily 10AM – 8PM! Link
  • Upcoming Music/Concerts/Events – Chamber/DDA Link, Marquis Link, Northville Winery Link, NOMI Link, Genitti’s Link

INFO FOR CITIZENS...
TASK FORCE MEETINGS

  • Bicentennial Task Force Mtg – 10/16, 7:00 PM City Hall (Rick Sharpe – Chair)
  • Cemetery Restoration Mtg – 10/23, 7:00 PM City Hall (David Marold – Chair)

PROJECTS AROUND TOWN

  • FORD FIELD – The Vista overlook is progressing. New playscape construction begins soon & bathrooms are scheduled for ’26 ... funding for Ford Field East & South Main Park by the water wheel was secured this past week and work will be done in 2026.
  • RIVERWALK River is flowing above ground at the Downs and trees are being planted alongside it. Bridge abutments have been completed, and the historic Log Cabin is ready to be moved to its final location as a Welcome Center… all 5 sections of the riverwalk are being planned & engineered, readying for our Bicentennial celebrations in ‘27.
  • DOWNS INITIATIVE – Infrastructure continues ... Wayne County’s 1st Roundabout (Sheldon & 7 Mile) construction is progressing & infrastructure at the Downs is complete.
  • FARMER’S MARKET – This City & Township gathering place (7 Mile/Northville Rd) continues to host many activities. (Car Shows, Farmers’ Market, Movies, 5K’s & other)
  • GRANTS that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives – Ford Field Eastadded Link

 

 

Let's transition now to the "Skeletons are Alive" History...

2011According to“The Record”, this was the inaugural year for the “Skeltons Are Alive” event. The Northville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) partnered with Begonia Brothers Mike McDonald (Director of operations & its owners Ann & Peter Bonde), designing multiple skeletons including classics like a skateboarder and a couple kissing under an umbrella.

2012The Dancers from Piazza Dance Company performed the iconic zombie danceThriller. The event was becoming an annual outdoor public art display that features life sized skeletons decked out in different costumes created by Begonia brothers.

2014– Skeltons are Alive in Northville continued with more than 100 boney friends inhabiting Northville’s downtown for the month of October.

2015Halloween in the Ville is “Big” according to an article in theDetroit Free Press, noting that over $7.0 Billion was now spent nationally on this holiday. They highlighted Begonia Brothers’ “Skeletons Are Alive” activity. McDonald in the article said the idea started about 9 years before (2006) when he put skeletons on bicycles at the Begonia Brothers’ entrance and it has taken off from there with people falling in love with them.

2021Downtown Northville had close to 125 life-sized skeletons as part of the event.

2023The 12th annual “Skeletons are Alive” launch party in downtown Northville featured free family-friendly fun such as balloon twisters, face painting, a Detroit circus skeleton stilt walker, pumpkin carver, and the Ghostbusters on site.

2024Everything from ‘23 was continued, including the lucky spooky 13thannual “Skeltons Are Alive” event where even more skeletons were added. It was a big night: The Pirate Ship centered around the town clock mast was a hit. Thousands of folks came to town to listen to Social Bones play, watch the spooky dancers, take photos with the Ghostbusters, the litany of skeletons & fire twirlers.

2025 – Looks to be the best gathering yet, with activities planned such as a costume contest, aerialist, fire dancers, Social Bones concert, face painting, silent disco, food trucks, balloon twisting, a photo booth, and much more. Link. See you Saturday night downtown!

I invite you to slow down for an evening and come downtown in October to shop at our retail stores, have dinner at one of our eateries, admire the all the skeletons “that have come alive”, or visit the 100 giant spiders on the wall at Town Square. Fall is upon us, and Northville is all about Halloween and our October Fest month leading up to it. We will talk more about Halloween in the Ville later in the month.

Keep that Northville "Skeletons are Alive" Faith!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville