By Rebekah Martin
Assistant Editor
Celebrating Halloween can be a spooky good time for the whole family. The cities of Opelika and Auburn are offering various family-friendly Halloween events for children and adults alike. If you are looking for a community festival or safe neighborhood trick or treat to participate in, look no further:
– This Saturday, Oct. 25, at 10 a.m. Chewacla State Park is hosting Trail or Treat – a unique opportunity for families to go trick or treating on the trails of Chewacla State Park. Children, parents and Halloween loving park goers can ride their bikes in costume through the trails of Chewacla to collect treats and candy. This is the first time the Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers have partnered to host Trail or Treat on the one-mile beginners trail – an easy trail for riders of all skill levels. There will also be opportunities for longer rides and a skills trail ride for those interested, and CAMP has a limited number of stryder bikes (balance bikes with no pedals) available for loan during the event. There will be a costume contest and other games and activities to accompany the Trail or Treat ride. Backpacks and bike baskets are needed to carry candy and treats. Participants are required to wear helmets.
-The Opelika Parks and Recreation department will host a Fall Festival and Children’s carnival Oct. 28 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The festival will be at the Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics Center and the W. James Samford soccer complex. Activities include hayrides, prizes, games, rides and entertainment for the entire family.
– Downtown Trick or Treat: Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Auburn Downtown Merchants will partner for the 14th Annual Downtown Trick or Treat Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m. This free community event features candy and giveaways, live music and children’s activities. Downtown Trick or Treat offers children 12 years and younger an excellent alternative to door-to-door trick or treating. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Downtown streets will be closed during the event.
– Neighborhood Trick or Treat: Auburn citizens are invited to participate in door-to-door trick or treating on Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m. During this time, Auburn’s Public Safety Department will provide additional patrols throughout the City for participants. Neighborhood Trick or Treat is for children 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Opelika will also hold neighborhood trick-or-treating from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31. Motorists are asked to exercise extreme caution; trick-or-treaters are asked to be respectful and not knock on the doors without porch lights on.
– The Second Annual Haunted Auburn Downtown Walking Tour: This ‘after-dark’ haunted walking tour is NOT for the faint of heart. Participants must be in reasonably good health and over 13 years of age with a parent or guardian present (if under 18). Walking shoes are highly recommended as your guides will lead you past many blocks around the down town area at an informative but quick pace. Donations are appreciated but not a requirement. This event will occur twice each night – at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. – Oct. 24, 25 and 27-30.