Halloween events happening in region this weekend
Some businesses, churches and organizations hosted trunk -or-treat events last weekend, but there are many chances to gather candy without traipsing from home to home this weekend.
Below are a few events with free admission happening in and around McDowell County.
McDowell County
Old Fort Boo Bash
Oct. 31, Old Fort
Trick-or-treating in downtown Old Fort will take place from 4-9 p.m.
Younger trick-or-treaters can get candy from local businesses from 4-6 p.m. Others can trick-or-treat from 6-9 p.m.
Music, movies and free food will add to the celebration.
Burke County
Twilight Tales on the Trail
Oct.29, Valdese
Friends of the Valdese Rec, Old Colony Players, Burke River Trail Association and others invite families to story time on Thurs -day night.
Visitors to Valdese Lakeside Park can walk less than a mile to hear stories of folklore and local legends at multiple lantern-lit stations.
The event is recommended for teens and adults. Flashlights and costumes are encouraged.
The event begins at 6 p.m. People attending can enjoy hot apple cider and build their own treat bags. Stories will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the event will conclude with a marshmallow roast by afire at 7:30 p.m.
Valdese Lakeside Park is located at 1149 Lake Rhodhiss Drive NE in Valdese.
Chamber Halloween
Oct. 30, Morganton
The Burke County Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual trick-or-treating event on Friday from 3-6 p.m.
The Burke Chamber is located at 110 E. Meeting St. in Morganton.
Halloween Spooktacular
Oct. 30, Morganton
Downtown Morganton will host its trick-or-treat event on Friday from 3-6 p.m.
Trick-or-treaters can visit local businesses for candy. The event will include a carnival, hayrides, entertainment, inflatables, a witches' dance, and a performance by the Sanderson Sisters.
Trick-or-treating will run from 3-5 p.m. Festivities will continue until 6 p.m.
Trail of Treats and Treats in the Streets
Oct. 30, Valdese and Rutherford College
Valdese and Rutherford College will host trick-or-treating events on Friday.
Trick-or-treating in downtown Valdese runs from 4-6 p.m. Rutherford College's event runs from 5-7 p.m. along the Rutherford College Greenway.
Caldwell County Downtown Spooktacular
Oct. 30, Lenoir
Downtown businesses will hand out candy from 4-6 p.m.
'Ghostbusters'
Oct. 29, Hudson The HUB Station will host an outdoor screening of
"Ghostbusters" on Thursday night.
Costumes are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair.
The movie begins at 7 p.m.
The HUB station is located at 145 Cedar Valley Road in Hudson.
Catawba County Pumpkin and Paws Trail
Oct. 30, Newton
Head to downtown Newton for a night of trick-or-treating at local businesses.
This is a "teal pumpkin" event, meaning that, in addition to regular candy, there will be options for people with allergies and dietary restrictions.
A costume contest for people, dogs and groups will be held on the steps of the Catawba County History Museum, also known as the historical Catawba County courthouse. The contest starts at 6 p.m. on the side of the courthouse facing 3 Little Birds.
The event runs from 5-7 p.m.
Harper House Unmasking
Oct. 30, Hickory
Explore the renovated Harper House on Friday night from 7-10 p.m. Local history professor and author Richard Eller will be available to share history. Light refreshments will be offered.
Donations will be accepted.
Harper House is located at 310
N. Center St.
Alexander County 'Hocus Pocus'
Oct.30, Taylorsville
The town of Taylorsville will host a screening of "Hocus Pocus" on Friday night at 7 p.m.
The movie will be shown at the baseball field behind Taylorsville Town Hall, 67 Main Ave. Drive NE.
Trunk-or-Treat with First Responders
Oct. 31, Taylorsville
The Alexander County Sheriff's Office will host a trunk-or-treat event from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday.
Local first responders will be on hand to give out candy.
The event will take place at the Sheriff's Office, 91 Commercial Park Ave. in Taylorsville.
Hiddenite Fire Department Trick-or-Treat
Oct. 31, Hiddenite
The Hiddenite Fire Department will host a trick-or-treat event from 6-8 p.m. at 4975 NC Highway 90 E., Hiddenite.
Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department Trick-or-Treat
Oct. 31, Stony Point
The Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department will hold a drive-thru trick-or-treat event on Saturday from 6-8 p.m.
The fire department is located at 501 Ruritan Park Road in Stony Point.
Iredell County
Adaptive and inclusive Halloween Party
Oct.30, Statesville
This event for Special Olympics Iredell County athletes and individuals with disabilities will take place Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the Statesville Recreation Center, 1875 Simonton Road.
Downtown Mooresville Candy Grab
Oct. 30, Mooresville
Downtown Mooresville's annual event will feature sweets, treats and surprises.
The event runs from 3-5 p.m. on Friday.
Trails and Treats
Oct. 31, Trout man
From 4-6 p.m., the wooded trail at Troutman ESC Park will transform into a festive route where children and families in costume can trick-or-treat from participating local businesses and nonprofits, according to event organizers.
Troutman ESC Park is located at 338 North Ave.
Billy Chapman Is a reporter with the Hickory Dally Record. wchapman@hlckoryrecord.com
