A returning favorite and a new Halloween gathering are on the calendar for this month.

As they have for many years, the Riverbank Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting its Haunted Hayride in Jacob Myers Park in observance of Halloween. Scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25, rides will be offered from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for children ages four to 12, and under 3 are free, but must sit on someone’s lap.

Organizers say visitors can dare to ride through the haunted trails, but are warned to beware, shadows lurk, creatures stir, and surprises await around every corner of Jacob Myers Park, with a number of new scare sites being planned.

For more information, contact Parks and Rec officials at 209-863-7150.

Before the Haunted Hayride, local youngsters and their families are invited to the new Safety Boo Bash, being offered in the Galaxy Theatre parking lot on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to noon. This is a cooperative effort of Love Riverbank, the Riverbank Parks and Recreation Department and Galaxy Theatres. Kids will enjoy trunk or treat opportunities, a costume exchange, prize drawings and family-fun activities. Kids are encouraged to attend in costume.

News Editor Marg Jackson contributed to this report.