Halloween is just around the corner. Around here we sure know how to throw a spooky good time. From haunted hayrides to homemade costumes, we have a knack for making Halloween unforgettable. Safety is key to making sure this Halloween is all treats and no tricks.
Tips to keep the little pumpkins and grown-up ghouls safe on a ghoulish night:
Light ‘Em Up, Y’all! When the sun dips below the horizon, the dark can be as thick as molasses. Make sure the kiddos and the grown-ups have some kind of illumination, whether it’s a flashlight, glow stick, or good ol’ jack-o’-lantern. Not only will it help ’em see where they’re going, but it’ll also keep ’em visible to drivers and other trick-or-treaters.
Spooktacular Costume Comfort: Who doesn’t love a good costume party? Make sure those outfits are comfy and safe. Avoid masks that can obstruct vision or costumes that drag on the ground, ready to trip up your little ones. And for the adults, well, no costume is worth sacrificing safety, so keep it practical and spooky.
Good Old- Fashioned Supervision: Kids might get too excited to remember all the safety rules. So, grown-ups, stick close! Whether you’re trick-or-treating with your young’uns or hosting a spooky soiree for adults, keep an eye out for any mischief that might spook your Halloween.
Candy Scavenger Hunt: Grown-ups and kids love their Halloween sweets. It’s a good idea to grab a snack before headin’ out to help avoid temptation. Check that candy before your young’uns start chowin’ down. Make sure there are no tears, rips, or tampering with the wrappers. If you have little ones, remove small hard candies and toys that could likely cause em’ to get choked.
Road Safety: If you’re out and about on Halloween night, remember that not everyone might be on the same wavelength as your Halloween spirit. Drive slow, watch out for those trick-or-treaters, and be a good neighbor. And if you’ve had a little too much “witch’s brew,” it’s always better to get a designated driver. No sense in turning the night into a scary one for all the wrong reasons.
Hauntin’ Home: If you’re decorating your home to rival a haunted mansion, kudos! But be mindful of wires, flames, and any other potential hazards. We don’t want anyone to end up in a real-life ghost story.

Whether you’re rustling up some candy for the kiddos or brewin’ up a spellbinding night for the grown-ups, safety is the secret ingredient to a successful Halloween. Wishin’ everyone a spooky good time. Happy Halloween, y’all!
Halloween fun right here at home:
The community of Ozark Acres will hold a Fall Festival Oct. 28 at the Ozark Acres Fire Department.
The Viola Solid Rock Assembly, will host a community fall festival Oct. 25 from 5 to 8 p.m.there will be games, prizes, candy and more.
The Cherokee Village United Methodist Church will hold a Boo Fest Oct. 28 from 3 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.and will include candy, games and more.
The Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce will hold its Spooktacular in Downtown Mammoth Spring Oct 28 and will include a chili cook off from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., games from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.costume contest at 5:30 p.m., pumping carving contest at 7 p.m. and will also feature hayrides, bounce houses and more.
The Myron Baptist Church will hold a Fall Festival Oct. 29 starting at 5 p.m. Games, food Candy and more will be available.
A Trunk or treat will be held at the Crossroads Baptist Church in Ash Flat Oct. 28.

The City of Hardy will hold Trick or Treat on Main Street from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 28.
A Trunk or Treat will be hosted Oct. 28 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Sloan-Hendrix School Circle. The public is invited to attend and enjoy trunk or treating, games, bounce houses and more. Rain date Oct. 29.
A Trunk or Treat Cruise-in will be Oct. 28 beginning at 4 p.m. at the Diamond B Mall in Horseshoe Bend and will feature candy, games, and photo booth, prizes for the kids, car show, free hot dogs, arcade games (bring your quarters) and more.
The Masters Bouquet will host a Trunk or Treat and Boo Bash Boogie Oct. 28 on the parking lot behind Wortham Funeral Home and Masters Bouquet. Trick or

Treating will take place from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Boo Bash Boogie from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.snacks, hot dogs chips and drinks will be available. There will be a costume contest at 6:30 with prizes awarded.
The Highland Elks Lodge 2538, located at 15 Elks Lane in Cherokee Village will hold their annual Trunk or Treat with hot dogs, chips and drinks for kids Oct. 28 from 3 to 5 p.m.
The Highland High School RAD and Student Council’s 5th annual Trunk or Treat will be held Oct. 30 from 5:30 until 7:30, if you would like to set up a trunk, contact Susan Webber at 830-279-4483 or Blake Medlock at 870-847-0253 to sign up.
A Trunk or Treat event will be held at the Ash Flat Fire Department Oct. 31 beginning at 5 p.m.
Scheel Family Practice will hold a trunk or treat Oct. 31 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
The Salem Chamber of Commerce will hold a Trunk or Treat on the Square Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
The Sharp County Sheriff’s Department will host treats and games at the Sheriff’s office Oct. 31 beginning at 5 p.m. the community is invited to bring their children for fun and to meet some of the sheriff’s departments staff, deputies and visit with the sheriff.
A Trunk or Treat will be held at the City Hall in Cherokee Village Halloween Night from 5 to 8 p.m.Contact Misty Casey if you, a group or business would like to set up to pass out candy contact City Hall.
The Copper Feather Dart League will host a Trunk or Treat at Town Center Oct. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m.
The Mount Pleasant Southern Baptist Church will hold a Fall Festival Oct. 31.
The 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat Trail will be hosted at the Kozey Country Market in Hardy Oct. 31 beginning at 6 p.m.

The First Baptist Church in Cherokee Village will hold a Trunk or Treat Oct. 31.

Crystal Shackelford, APRN
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