Special Events


4th Annual Never Forget Trail 5K

Saturday, September 12th - 9:00am

Livingston County Veteran Services and Howell Recreation present the fourth annual 9/11 “Never Forget 5K Trail Run/Walk.”  Join us at Fillmore County Park on September 12th at 9 am as we remember those who lost their lives that day, as well as our military veterans and first responders who went into harm’s way as a result of the attack. This trail is not stroller-friendly and is not paved. All runners who register on or before August 14th will receive a t-shirt. All participants will receive a finisher medal.  A portion of the proceeds will be used to purchase AEDs for local American Legion and VFW posts. 

As much as we love your furry friends, we are kindly requesting that only service dogs join us

Packet Pickup: 

  • Early packet pick-up will be on

    • September 9th - 10th from 8 am-8 pm at the Oceola Community Center at 1661 N. Latson Rd, Howell, MI 48843 OR

    • September 11th, 8 am - 4 pm at the Oceola Community Center at 1661 N. Latson Rd, Howell, MI 48843 OR

    • We ask that you try to pick up your items in advance if possible but packets will be available on-site for race day starting at 8 am. We will send out a reminder email with details when it gets closer.

Results:

Your accurate chip time and current overall will be texted to your phone and be available live on this site. 

The race will be timed by the Michigan Running Foundation

Cost: $35/runner

Volunteers pass out medals at the Never Forget Trail 5K.

2026 Sponsors


Hello Howell - Belonging By Design

Monday, September 14th - 6:00pm-8:00pm

Join us in shaping the future of Howell Recreation!

This evening will focus heavily on community participation and discussion. Through interactive roundtable conversations, residents will have the opportunity to share ideas, discuss needs, and help shape future programs, facility improvements, events, and recreation opportunities.

We will also include live interactive activities throughout the evening to gather feedback and make the experience engaging and collaborative for all attendees.

Our goal is simple:
To help create a community where more people feel welcomed, connected, and included through recreation. We hope you will join us on September 14th as we continue building the future of recreation together.

This event is totally free to attend but pre-registration is encouraged so we know you're coming!  Walk-ins are also welcome.

Site: Cleary University, 3750 Cleary Dr.


Red Cross Blood Drive

Friday, September 25th - 1:00pm-5:00pm

Give back by giving blood! Walk-ins are welcome but pre-registration is preferred. Click the button below to sign up for a timeslot of your choice!

Site: Oceola Community Center, 1661 N. Latson Rd.


Purse & Jewelry Sale

Support The Senior Center By Shopping!

Tuesday, October 6th - 8:00am-3:00pm
Wednesday, October 7th - 11:00am-6:00pm

Every year the Howell Senior Center hosts its annual Purse & Jewelry Sale fundraiser. This two day sale is an awesome place to shop for gently used purses, bags, and jewelry. The majority of items are under $5 and all proceeds from the event go back to the Senior Center and their mission to provide affordable programming and services for senior citizens in our community!

Site: Oceola Community Center, 1661 N. Latson Rd.

DONATIONS ACCEPTED:
Donations are now being accepted! If you have gently used purses, bags, or jewelry that you'd like to donate, you may drop them off at the Oceola Community Center front desk anytime during our business hours!

A photo of a selection of costume jewelry from the purse & jewelry sale.

A photo of a boy dressed up as a pac-man arcade machine.

Legend of Sleepy Howell

Saturday, October 17th - 3pm-5pm

We’re excited to bring Legend of Sleepy Howell, Livingston County’s largest outdoor trick-or-treating event back to Downtown Howell this October! This year’s Legend will have FREE trick-or-treating on Clinton St. by the Fire and Ice Pavilion. There will also be Halloween and fall-themed activities.

Cost: FREE
Site: Downtown Howell, Clinton St. by the Fire & Ice Pavilion


Candy Vendors Needed!

Saturday, October 17th - 3pm-5pm

Join us for Howell's favorite downtown Halloween tradition – the Legend of Sleepy Howell! As a sponsor, you'll receive a designated Candy Distribution Site (please note: candy is not provided) and the exciting opportunity to hand out your own marketing materials during the event.

We recommend bringing 4,000+ pieces of candy – we're expecting an even bigger crowd this year!

2026 Theme: Superheroes
Please decorate your booth space to fit the theme. Think Superman, Captain America, Firefighter, Police, etc.

Event Details:
Trick-or-Treating: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Setup Begins: 2:00 PM
For questions or more information, contact jbaca@howellrecreation.org

Let’s make this a SUPER day full of smiles and sweet treats!

Cost: $120/booth
Site: Downtown Howell, Clinton St. by the Fire & Ice Pavilion


Headless Horseman 5K & Monster Mile

Saturday, October 17th

Monster Mile: 5:30pm
Headless Horseman 5K: 6:00pm

The Headless Horseman 5K is BACK and SPOOKIER than ever! This dusk event will be in-person and kick-off at State and Clinton Streets in beautiful Downtown Howell. Costumed participants will wind their way through the historic neighborhoods and through Scofield City Park. Participants will receive a long-sleeved 50/50 blend shirt if registered by the end of the day on September 27th.  

Early Packet Pick up will take place Oct. 14th -16th at the Oceola Community Center 1661 N. Latson Rd. Howell MI 48843 during normal business hours.

Walkers, strollers, assistive devices, and dogs on 6ft leashes are welcome. 

Please note that funds from this program help to cover not only costs incurred from the program itself but also help to make the Legend of Sleepy Howell possible. This longstanding community event offers a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience and helps especially those kids living in rural areas. Thank you for your support!

Costumed runners run through the streets of Howell at the 2025 Headless Horseman 5K.

Get a Refund By Referring Friends

Refer 1 or more participants and get a refund of up to $1.00 per participant!


One Mile Cost: $20/runner
5K Cost: $35/runner