There will be plenty of opportunities to get into the holiday – Halloween – spirit this week, as local schools have programs, the Escalon Library hosts a special event, and Escalon Covenant Church prepares for an annual gathering.
First, both Van Allen and Collegeville elementary schools have ‘Harvest Festivals’ set for Friday, Oct. 23.
Van Allen’s event will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the school along Highway 120, at the corner of Van Allen Road. Children are encouraged to attend in school-appropriate costumes and there will be a variety of games and activities. Wristbands, at a cost of $15, will allow the wearer to participate in all the activities. There will also be food vendors on hand for the event. Wristbands can be purchased at the door; the Van Allen Parents Club is hosting the Harvest Festival.
At Collegeville Elementary, corner of Mariposa and Jack Tone roads, the Friday night festival will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and feature a haunted house, bounce houses, pumpkin patch and a number of games and activities. There will be wristbands for purchase at the door and a taco dinner will also be for sale. Costumes are allowed; they should be school appropriate.
Meanwhile, Farmington Elementary School will have its jog-a-thon this Friday but is planning a Halloween costume parade for next week, Friday, Oct. 30 at 12:45 p.m.
On Saturday, the Escalon Library jumps into Halloween festivities, hosting a Fall and Halloween Craft Day for kids of all ages. The Oct. 24 event begins at 1 p.m. at the library on Second Street and there will be a number of craft stations along with light refreshments.
Finally, mark the calendar for Wednesday, Oct. 28 and plan to attend the annual Trunk or Treat at Escalon Covenant Church. Kids will be able to make the rounds of the vehicles in the parking lot, with trunks loaded down with candy, as a safe alternative to trick-or-treating. There will be free hot dogs, music, candy and games throughout the event, which is scheduled from 5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the church on Escalon Avenue.
