Along with being the best part of autumn, Halloween is another reason many people look forward to October. Luckily for area residents of all ages, local communities are offering numerous opportunities to get out and enjoy the spooky season.

Becker Area

The Becker Public Library has two fun events for patrons to enjoy. Great Pumpkin Hunt: Now through Oct. 26, kids can help Charlie Brown search the library for the ‘Great Pumpkin’ during library hours. All participants will receive a sticker and a chance to win a larger prize.

The Becker Library is also hosting Boo-a-pa-looza on Oct. 21 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., sponsored by the Friends of the Becker Library. Enjoy a fun family game and craft night at the library with a spooky theme; costumes are encouraged. Limit 30, registration required.

Barktober Fest will be held on Oct. 26 at Becker City Park this year. Dress up your pet and yourself and prepare for a day of pet and Halloween fun from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Any type of pet is welcome but must be on a leash.

Trail of Treats (formerly Trunk or Treat) will be held Oct. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Becker. Along with goodies, there will be s’mores, hot chocolate, hot cider, a hayride and bonfire. Participants handing out candy should arrive and park their cars by 4:30 p.m. Back cars in and open trunk, placing candy inside to hand out to the trick or treaters. Feel free to decorate cars and come in costume.

Clearwater Area

The Clearwater Public Library will be hosting Spooky Storytime on Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Along with a not-so-spooky story, there will be crafts, games and prizes. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume. The event is sponsored by the Clearwater Area Friends of the Library.

Santiago Area

On Oct. 26 the Santiago Lions are hosting their annual Kid’s Halloween Party at Bailey Rays from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be pumpkin and cookie decorating, face painting, games, candy and prizes. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the local food shelf.

St. Cloud Area

Molitor’s Haunted Acres is back and better than ever! The journey begins with a haunted hayride through the Woods of Doom, where killers, madmen and one’s darkest fears come to life. Riders are dropped off at the Restless Stop, where they will continue on foot through The Rabbit Hole assisted by The Queen. 

Doors open at 7 p.m. on Oct. 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30 and 31. Admission is $24, $45 for Fastpass Wed., Thurs., Sun.; $28 for general admission and $52 for Fastpass  Fri. and Sat. 3571 5th Ave. NE in Sauk Rapids.

Amid the dark, rolling hills of St. Augusta terror strikes. The Harvest of Horror, located at 4108 200th Street, begins with a haunted hayride through the fields. If visitors make it out alive, they’re next terrorized in the forest and then thrust into the darkness of a cornfield where creepy beings exist.

The Harvest of Horror is open Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 26 from 7 to 11 p.m. The last ride leaves at 10:45 p.m., admission is $20. Each year a portion of the proceeds benefits a non-profit organization.

Changing up scares yearly, Monster Manor, located at the Stearns Co. Fairgrounds, 110 Ash Street S., Sauk Centre, is open from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 19, 25 and 26. Admission is $10, 5 and under not allowed. $1 off military special. Sponsored by Community Connection of Sauk Centre.

Monticello Area

Monticello’s downtown businesses will be holding their annual Trick or Treating in Monticello Oct. 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. at West Bridge Park. Trick or treaters can pick up goodies from the downtown businesses. 

Ghastly Acres is holding their annual Food for Fright event Oct. 25-27 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Take a walk through their Haunted Forest for a ghoulishly fun time for all. Donate to the Monticello Help Center by bringing a food or clothing donation for admission. 6757 East Oak Dr., Monticello.

Nov. 2, Community United Methodist Church is holding their Annual Fall Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a chili lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Pie shop, bake sale with homemade lefse, a variety of handmade items, used-a-bit and vintage items and more will be available. 9225 Jason Ave., Monticello.

Foley Area

Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church is hosting a fall dinner at Henry’s Event Center in Foley from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 23. Quilt raffle, bake sale and fun games for the whole family. Adults $12, Children (5-10) $5, 4 and under free. Proceeds benefit Foley C.A.R.E. CROSS Center and GA’s Youth Mission 2019. Send money courtesy of Thrivent Financial Action Team Dollars. 640 Broadway Ave., Foley.

Elk River Area

Elk River’s Downtown Halloween Trick or Treat event will be held Oct. 25 beginning at 11 a.m. Kids in costume can stop by participating downtown businesses on the trick or treat trail, meet McGruff the Crime Dog, and have a blast at the free Halloween event. Sponsored by the Downtown River’s Edge Business Assoc.