Spooky scenes will spread as costume-clad kids ask for candy during one of the most popular holidays of the year, Oct. 31.
Halloween is known for its sweets and scares, and communities across the Tri-Lakes Edition coverage area have organized events to help promote the fun while keeping people safe.
In Hot Springs, the treats don’t just come in candy form. Glow on the Row, hosted by Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe and Pour Some Sugar on Me Sweet Shoppe, will take place from 4-9 Halloween night in historic downtown Hot Springs.
“We’re hoping to double the attendees from last year,” said Lerinda Ruth from Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe. “We had about 1,000 come through last year.”
Participants can go up and down the Historic District to get candy from local businesses, and the Glow on the Row Harvest Festival will be at the free parking garage with more treats, games and live music.
“We’re going to have 18,000 glow sticks to hand out,” Ruth said. There will also be 3,000 pounds of candy, 3,000 mini cupcakes and more than 2,000 mini toys.
Ruth said her hope for the event is to draw some attention to the downtown shops while providing a fun, safe environment.
“We highly encourage costumes,” she said. “There are going to be group events and children’s activities.”
Vendors are encouraged to sign up to be a part of Glow on the Row. Tables will be provided. To get a vendor application, email glowontherow@fbgcupcakes.com or call Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe at (501) 318-0997. There are also copies of the vendor application at the bakery.
In Arkadelphia, the Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual Safe Trick-or-Treat at the Arkadelphia Parks and Rec Center. The event will take place on Halloween night, starting at 5:30. Booths are available for churches, businesses and organizations by calling (870) 246-5499.
The Haunted House of Sheridan is now open. The upcoming hours are from 7-10 p.m. Thursday; from 7 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; and from 7-10 p.m. Oct. 29-31. The haunted house is at 205 N. Main St., and anyone younger than 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is $12, and proceeds will support the Keeping the Faith Women’s Shelter, the Literacy Council of Grant County, the Grant Count Family Resource Center and Kathy’s Closet and Food Pantry.
In Benton, the Halloween Pet Costume Contest on Saturday will benefit the Humane Society of Saline County. Costumed dogs, cats and other pets will compete at Juli Busken Memorial Amphitheater at Tyndall Park. The contest will begin at 2 p.m., and the entry fee is $20. Contact Valerie MacEntee at (501) 778-2922 for more information.
For safe trick-or-treating, participating stores at the Outlets of Little Rock will hand out goodies to children ages 12 and younger from 5-7 Halloween night. Participating children are asked to bring a canned food item for a donation to The Salvation Army.