Treats, but few tricks at local Halloween events

Ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy-beasties and children of all shapes and sizes will go bump in the night Wednesday at Halloween festivities all over the area.

“Everyone is welcome, and hopefully we’re going to have a wonderful time,” said Kevin Patch, the youth and family pastor at Victory Lutheran Church, one of many churches and other organizations offering a Halloween extravaganza for children.

All of them are open to the community on Halloween night, and all of them do involve treats, though most of the events are trick-free.

* Frontier Village Treat Nite, 5-7 p.m., Frontier Village, Jamestown.

Many of the buildings in the village will be open for trick-or-treating, and some will be decorated for the holiday, with costumed adults distributing candy.

There’s no age restriction, though the event is geared toward children age 12 and younger. Often parents who attend with their children dress up as well, said Frontier Village Manager Tina Busche.

About 600 children are expected to attend the event, and the village gates will be closed to drivers for children’s safety.

* Trunk or Treat, Victory Lutheran Church, 5:30-6:30 p.m. free meal, carnival games and costume contest, 6:30-7:30 p.m. vehicle trunks open.

Between 500 and 600 children are expected this year, and police, fire and ambulance crews will participate in giving out candy.

Participants are asked not to wear scary costumes.

More information is available at findvictory.org.

* Trick or Treating, 5-7 p.m., Buffalo Mall, Jamestown.

“It’s our way of thanking the community for supporting us,” said Deb Thompson, property manager of IRET Properties, which owns the mall.

The tradition has been going for more than 15 years, and this year 21 stores will open their doors and distribute candy to children.

All are invited.

* Great Tomb Raid, 5:30-7:30 p.m., First Assembly of God of Jamestown.

The Fall Fest party is a Halloween-alternative event for children of preschool age through sixth-grade.

“It’s basically like a carnival, where the kids play games and then they get candy,” said Mary Ann Adams, pastor at First Assembly. “And then we’re going to have food and a drama with a theater skit.”

Children can come in costumes but should not wear scary costumes.

* Candy Land, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Recharge Church, 102 Helen St. N., Streeter.

“We’re converting our church into Candyland,” said the Rev. John Erbele, lead pastor at Recharge Church.

The church will be set up with different game stations and each child will go through stations staffed by Candyland characters, such as the Lord of Licorice and Mr. Mint.

Costumes are not necessary, and participants are asked not to wear scary costumes.

Anyone with questions may call 701-491-8658 or check the church’s website at rechargechurch.com.

* Medina’s Trunk or Treat, English Lutheran Church, 210 Water St. E., Medina. 6-7 p.m. carnival and free supper, 7-7:30 p.m., trunk or treating.

“This is our second time doing it,” said Sherry Schmidt, one of the organizers of the event.

Last year approximately 150 children attended, and this year, Schmidt said, event organizers hope for 200.

Children up to age 12 are encouraged to attend, but should not wear bloody, gory or scary costumes.

A free supper including hot dogs, chips and baked goods will be served.

Carnival games for children will be placed throughout the church building and kids can play them for free. Generally the prizes are not candy — candy is given out during the trunk-or-treat event after the carnival.

The Salvation Army, Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office and many local businesses and organizations participate in the event.

Sun reporter Kari Lucin can be reached at 701-952-8453 or by email at klucin@jamestownsun.com

Tags: life, family