Local events ensure candy, fright this Halloween

Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Brandy Mason, member experience director at the YMCA of Southeast Missouri, prepares for the Hallow Bash which will be from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday. (David Jenkins, Staff)

SIKESTON -- Regardless of a person's age, there are plenty of local opportunities to get some candy -- and get spooked -- this Halloween weekend.

A trunk-or-treat planned from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday on the parking lot of Sterling Pharmacy/Managed Care in Sikeston will kick off the local weekend festivities.

Halloween day in Sikeston begins with the sixth annual Goblin Gallop 5K and 1-mile fun run/walk at Bootheel Counseling Services.

"We're hoping that families will make this a part of their Halloween weekend," said Jennifer Hartlein, director of fund development and public relations for Bootheel Counseling Services.

With the actual holiday falling on Saturday, Hartlein said organizers decided to encourage this year's participants to dress in costume for the event. Awards will be given to best male and female costumes, she said.

"Not only do we encourage participants to dress up, but there might just be a few goblins, witches and maybe even a few princesses along the route pointing people in the right direction," Hartlein said.

Registration, which is $25 for the 5K and $15 for the one-mile run/walk, begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, or they may register in advance over the phone or at the office, Hartlein said.

The route will start and stop at the Bootheel Counseling office on Plantation Boulevard and will encompass Colonel George E. Day Parkway, South Ingram, Helen Street and Cambridge Drive.

In addition, participants will have a chance to see the facility as the main lobby and restrooms will be open for their use, Hartlein said. For more information, call 573-471-0800.

Later on Saturday, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the YMCA of Southeast Missouri will have its fifth annual "Hallow-Bash" inside the Sikeston facility.

"We have a variety of organizations, businesses and churches partnering with us again, and they will be offering games, candy and face painting," said Brandy Mason, member and program experience director for the YMCA in Sikeston, about the Hallow-Bash. "There will lots of fun safe, positive activities for children and families to take part in.

Mason estimated between 1,200 and 1,500 children come through the free event each year.

"It's an opportunity for several businesses or organizations to work together to provide a positive, safe environment for the children and families of our communities on Halloween," Mason said.

It's a "one-stop" shop having several entities in one place, Mason said.

"We encourage everyone to come out and take part and wear their costumes -- or not -- and have a good evening with their family," Mason said.

Hunter-Memorial Presbyterian Church in Sikeston will have its annual trunk-or-treat in addition to games and food from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday in the church fellowship hall on the corner of Allen Boulevard and Wakefield.

For the rest of the story, see an upcoming edition of the Standard Democrat.

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