Many Halloween events planned in local communities

Despite the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, most local communities will continue with Halloween activities, with extra safety precautions encouraged.

Sikeston

Trick or treating will continue as planned in Sikeston but officials are encouraging parents and children to follow the best practices for social distancing, face coverings and sanitation.

Trick-or-Treaters are encouraged to avoid houses with no exterior lights on, and to conclude trick-or-treating by 9 p.m.

A Trunk-or-Treat will be held at 5 p.m. Oct. 31 at Fellowship Baptist Church, 1801 Ables Road, in Sikeston. Candy and free hot dogs will be available and COVID-19 safety precautions will be taken.

A Trunk-or-Treat ministry event will be held beginning at 5 p.m. Oct. 31 at Miner Baptist Church, 416 State Highway H. There will be candy, popcorn, hot dogs and other treats as well as a hayride for children around the church property. There will be signs on display with directions. The Trunk-or-Treat is open to the public. For more information, call the church office at 573-471-1331.

The First Baptist Church in Sikeston will hold a drive-thru Trunk-or-Treat from 4-5:30 p.m. in the church parking lot.

The Sikeston American Legion family trunk-or-treat will begin at 5 p.m. Oct. 31.

Officials at the Sikeston Factory Outlet Stores decided to cancel their Annual Community Safe Trick-or-Treat event due to COVID-19.

Grace Bible Fellowship will be handing out treat bags at Dancler Field in Sunset from 3-5 p.m. Oct. 31.

A Trunk-or-Treat for families to come and let their kids get some candy in a safe manner will be held from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 31 at The Sanctuary of SEMO, 338 Matthews Ave Sikeston.

East Prairie

Trick-or-treating in East Prairie will be held from 5-8 p.m. Saturday for those 12 and under. Those taking part are encouraged to do so in a safe manner keeping the coronavirus in mind.

Charleston

Charleston will allow trick-or-treating from 4-7 p.m. Saturday. Residents are urged to be careful when handing out treats and social distancing is to be followed.

Oran

Oran City Council decided to allow trick-or-treating on Halloween. Those wishing not to participate are asked to keep their porch lights off.

Portageville

The First State Bank and Trust Co., will hold their annual Halloween Parade and Costume Contest on Thursday in Portageville. The contest categories will be 0-4 years, 5-8 years, 9-10 years and a group division.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third in each category.

The parade route starts at 4:30 p.m. at the Portageville Community Center and proceeds down Main Street. The costume contest will be held afterwards in the FSBT parking lot.

Trick-or-treating in Portageville will be held on Halloween night from 5:30-8 p.m. for children 12 and under.

The Portageville Fire Department will be passing out candy bags from 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday at 5 & MacArthur and 10 & MacArthur.

New Madrid

A Trunk-or-Treat will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the New Madrid County Courthouse parking lot.

Trick-or-treating on Halloween in New Madrid will be from dusk to 9 p.m. Those participating are encouraged to practice social distancing. Police officers will patrol neighborhoods with heavy traffic and will also be walking in some neighborhoods.