It’s time to dust off your favorite costume and make sure it still fits because Halloween is only a couple weeks away and costume parties are already beginning. Get into the spirit of the season during one of the many festive events happening this weekend and next.

 

But before Halloween night Tuesday the 31st, the communities of Becker, Clearwater, Monticello, Big Lake and Elk River have a plethora of events that will make the little ones burst with joy or perhaps even give them a little fright.

 

Also, don’t forget to visit your local pumpkin patches to snatch up the biggest orange squash plant or walk through a corn maze. Be on the lookout for some of the most popular costumes for 2017 including Pennywise the Clown, Wonder Woman, skeletons, ghosts, superheroes and characters from Game of Thrones.

 

The BHS Robotics team is hosting their third annual Trunk-or-Treat event at the Becker Furniture World parking lot today (Oct. 28) from 3- 5 p.m. It’s a safe environment for kids to do trick-or-treating during the day. Businesses and groups decorate the trunk of their cars or truck to hand out candy from. A prize is given to the best decorated trunk, based on the kids’ votes.

 

Oakwood Church is holding their annual Hallelujah Party Oct. 31 from 6-9 p.m at their church. The event features costume dress-up, games for kids, a chili cook-off, a dessert bake-off, candy handed out and loads of fun and fellowship. Members, guests, friends and neighbors are encouraged to attend.

 

The Monticello Community Center will be hosting a Color Me Fall event today (Oct. 28) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park (9910 Briarwood Ave NE, Monticello). There will be hay rides, fall games, crafts, archery, a campfire, s'mores, and more! Sponsored by the Wright County Parks, Monticello Community Center, Friends of Bertram, and YMCA Day Camp Manitou.

 

The Monticello VFW is hosting a Halloween Costume Party today (Oct. 28) from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be a costume contest, DJ and Karaoke, drink and food specials, cash prizes for costume contest and prize giveaways throughout the night.

 

The VFW is located at 713 S. Cedar St. in Monticello.

 

For adults, the Friendly Buffalo in Big Lake will be holding a Halloween Bash today (Oct. 28) from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and will feature a live band downstairs (Outside Recess) and a DJ playing top dance hits upstairs all night. The night will be highlighted by a costume contest and no cover charge.

 

The annual Spud Fest Spooktacular Haunted Trail will hold its final trail run today (Oct. 28) from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Borchert’s Acres at 19101 243rd Avenue, just off Co. Rd. 75 near Eagle Lake. Admission to the trail is $10 per person with $1 for any food shelf donation. Seniors 65+ can hike the trail for $5.

 

There will be a big bonfire to light the night for keeping warm and roasting marshmallows or other treats. Concessions are available and there will be music.

 

The event benefits Big Lake’s annual Spud Fest, which raises funds to help provide youth activities in the area.

 

Elk River will have a trick-or-treat event at Guardian Angels Care Center Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Children age birth-sixth grade are invited to trick-or-treat on Halloween night at the organization resident's home. The residents will be handing out candy in the Town Hall and each child will receive a balloon. The residents love to see the children in their costumes! Sponsored by Friends of GACC.

 

An annual Halloween Haunt will be featured at Cedar South/620 and 630 8th Street in Clearwater on Halloween night from dusk until whenever. People participating are asked to bring a food shelf item for donation and be prepared to be scared!

 

The Clearwater Library will be holding their “Spooky Storytime” event from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. where Halloween stories will be read, wicked crafts made and everyone will eat a yummy, healthy snack. Costumes and tricks encouraged and the event is open to children of all ages.

Have a spooktacular Halloween!