Community Halloween events

Canada home-based Head Start took a trip to the pumpkin patch to pick up pumpkins for Halloween. From left, Tyler Mathews, Nick Gaskins, Cassy Fox, Estalena Stillwell, Danielle Hensley, Micheale Owen, Casey Owen and Nicole Gaskins thank Norton Creek Farms for the adventure.

Halloween activities are expected to expand all the way downtown this year.

In combination with the Jackson County Recreation and Parks Department's annual Walk Through the Pumpkin Patch, several downtown Sylva merchants will remain open after dark Tuesday, Oct. 31, to welcome trick-or-treaters, said SPIR Director Richard McHargue.

"The merchants decided after much discussion to invite trick-or-treaters to visit Main Street on Halloween day and night to receive candy and treats," McHargue said. "Main Street would like to be an extension of the pumpkin patch this year." Businesses will have a lit pumpkin/jack-o-lantern in front of their store to signify that they are handing out candy.

SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

Climb the Courthouse Hill and visit the Jackson County Sheriff's Department for treats and refreshments between 5 and 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31.

HALLOWEEN EGG HAUNT

On Saturday, Oct. 28, the Jackson County Recreation/Parks Department is sponsoring a Halloween Egg Haunt. It will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Mark Watson Park. Anyone age 12 and under are invited and should bring a basket to collect the candy-filled eggs. There will also be a costume contest with prizes awarded to first through third place.

FAMILY WITCH HUNT

On Monday, Oct. 30, the rec department will sponsor a Family Witch Hunt starting at 6:30 p.m. at the community building. Families will drive around town looking for Halloween items. Prizes will be awarded.

PUMPKIN PATCH

On Tuesday, Oct. 31, the Walk Through the Pumpkin Patch will start at 6 p.m. in the neighborhood behind the Chamber of Commerce. This is for anyone age 12 and under.

SYLVA FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Sylva First United Methodist Church youth group will sponsor its annual community Halloween Carnival and hot dog supper this Sunday, Oct. 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Asbury Room of the church. All children, youth and adults from the community are invited. Cost is $2, which will entitle everyone to visit the Haunted House, game booths, tunnel maze, fishing hole, basketball game, pie-throwing contest and many other games as often as they wish. They can also enjoy a hot dog supper with all the trimmings and lots of safe Halloween candy and treats. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. For more information, call Linda Haggard at 586-2358.

ZION HILL BAPTIST CHURCH

The teenagers at Zion Hill Baptist Church will assist with the fall festival at the Pumpkintown Community Building on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 1-3 p.m. They will have a hay ride, a costume parade, assorted games with prizes and a hot dog lunch. Since this is also "Make a Difference Day" everyone is encouraged to bring non-perishable food items that will be given to a family in the community.

HALLOWEEN STORYTIME

On Saturday, Oct. 28, Jenifer Ross will host a special Halloween Storytime for children at 11 a.m. The featured book will be Dr. Pompo's Nose. Wear your costume and be ready for games, treats, and prizes.

Also on Saturday, Sylva native and Boone resident Scott Nicholson will be in the store at noon for a reception in honor of his new collection of suspense, ghost, and mystery stories, "Thank You For the Flowers."

For more information about these events, call City Lights Bookstore at 586-9499.