Have a spook-tacular Halloween

Spooky season is in full effect. Young and old alike can enjoy the holiday locally. Check out these local haunts, no need to wait until Halloween.

Halloween isn’t just for humans! Gibson Memorial Library is letting pets in on the fun with a Halloween pet parade 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Oct. 18. Bring your pet in their Halloween costumes. Each cat and dog will receive a treat and some will get a medal.

Pet owners are asked to arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a prompt start, and to make sure pets are leashed. The parade route will go around the pavilion and library. The public is invited to watch.

If you enjoy being scared, head to Nightmare on Madison Street on the square in Mount Ayr. The screams are sponsored by Ringgold Outdoor Alliance and are open from 6-9 p.m. on Fridays and 5-9 p.m. Saturdays Oct. 24, 25, 31 and Nov. 1. Admission is $10 and those under 18 need a signed waiver.

There are multiple events taking place on Oct. 25. Hy-Vee is hosting a trick-or-treat event from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Cookie decorating, pumpkin painting, candy and more will be available at the store plus, its free to attend.

Creston Animal Rescue Effort’s annual fundraiser, Bright Eyes in the Park, runs from 4-5:30 p.m. at McKinley Park. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes but they are not mandatory. This is a fun and safe trick-or-treat event for children. Local businesses will hand out goodies as participants move from table to table at the south end of the park (at the wooden bear). Cost is $5 per child; bags are provided.

The Creston Eagles Riders #1398 are hosting a children’s not-so-scary Halloween dock party 5:30-7:30 p.m. This event is targeted for children 0-12 years of age. Everyone is welcome but the activities, including sensory stations, candy, prizes and more, are for younger children. This is a free-will donation event.

Elks Trunk or Treat runs from 5 to 7 p.m. in the west lawn at the Creston Elks Club.

Prescott Community Trunk or Treat runs from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Prescott Library. If you want to be a part of the event, contact the library and decorate a trunk, trucks, golf carts or even a table and help pack the streets of Prescott. There will also be a book fair.

Gibson Memorial Library will host a Haunted High Escape Room at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 30.

In 1953, Haunted High School was forced to close its doors due to odd occurrences around the school, linked to a strange box that randomly appeared in the homeroom of Eunice Lugosi. A similar box has appeared at the library… can you open the box to break the curse of Haunted High School before it’s too late?

Kids and teens ages 9 and older are invited to register to help solve this mystery and break the curse.

Also on the 30th, R Beauty will host a trunk or treat at 5 p.m. at 500 W. Union St.

Finally, Halloween has arrived!

Accura HealthCare of Creston invites the public to Nightmare on Howard Street at 5 p.m Oct. 31, with a trunk or treat in the parking lot on the east side of the building.

Creston has designated hours for trick-or-treating from 5-7:30 p.m.

Make sure to stop by 1007 N. Chestnut St. for Barkalow Halloween fun from 5:30-9:30 p.m. You can walk through the maze, get candy/trinkets for kids or drive by and see the lights and inflatables.

Afton’s Trunk or Treat on East Kansas Street is from 5:30-7 p.m. Set up begins at 5 p.m.

Afton’s designated trick-or-treating time is from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Pick one or pick a few! This list may not be complete