Ghosts and goblins are getting ready to don costumes and stores' shelves have been stocked with candy, so it must be time to make Halloween plans.
Those who opt against the door-to-door route can take advantage of organized activities in both Enumclaw and Buckley.
The Enumclaw Parks and Recreation Department will be sponsoring its annual Halloween carnival from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Pete's Pool fieldhouse. The event is free and designed for children 12 and younger.
There will be carnival-style games, prizes and refreshments. New this year will be the “Great Pumpkin Egg Hunt,” which will have kids scouring the adjacent football field for plastic eggs filled with goodies. It will begin at 7:30 and kids will need a flashlight to participate.
Also, the chamber of commerce in both Enumclaw and Buckley will be sponsoring downtown trick-or-treating, with merchants passing out candy to youngsters.
In Enumclaw, participating businesses will be handing out treats from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Cole Street will be closed between Marshall and Stevenson to keep kids safe with the exception of Griffin Avenue, which will remain open to traffic.
In Buckley, various downtown merchants will be passing out candy from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Kids will need to stick to the sidewalks, as Main Street will remain open for motorists.
As an added treat, the Buckley Chamber will be serving hot chocolate and hot cider at Thunderbird Park.
In addition, a couple of local churches are offering alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating.
Enumclaw's Hope Lutheran Church will host its annual Halloween carnival from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday for preschool through elementary-age students and their parents.
Kids are encouraged to wear a costume and bring a trick-or-treat bag for the free, non-scary event. There will be games, prizes, candy, snacks and hot coffee.
The church is at 1316 Garfield St.
The Senior High Youth Group at The Summit Church, 920 Roosevelt Ave. (state Route 410) will again host a “harvest party.” The entire community is invited to the event, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m.
Kids are encouraged to wear costumes and enjoy games, prizes, face painting and more. Food will be provided at no charge.
