With fall just fully in effect for a little more than a week, some residents may have their eyes on end of October festivities, and there are plenty of them on the local calendar.
The Haunted Hayride, held each year in Jacob Myers Park just before Halloween since at least 2005, is in need of more volunteers to help make the event a ‘go’ for this year.
A second organizational meeting is set for this Wednesday evening, Oct. 2 and officials said they need to have at least six groups attend who are planning on putting on ‘scare sites’ in the park on the evenings of Oct. 25 and 26.
Paperwork for participation is due Oct. 2 as well. The Parks and Recreation Department, which puts on the event each year, needs at least 10 sites for it to be successful. Officials said those that want to take part can contact the department for more information, 209-863-7150. New participants and returning groups are both welcomed and needed.
Trunk or Treat
A “fun and safe” opportunity for the children of the community to trick-or-treat, as well as meet and interact with members of local emergency services in the community is planned for Saturday, Oct. 26, according to organizers.
The Trunk or Treat event will be held in the Galaxy Theatres parking lot on Patterson Road, from 9 a.m. to noon.
“Children will spend the morning going from trunk to trunk, collecting candy or other treats from participants who have decorated their vehicles for the event,” organizers noted.
The children and adults will also be able to visit several local emergency service provider booths for fun and interactive safety information and opportunities, similar to the annual Bicycle Rodeo and Safety Fair held in the summer.
Halloween Bash
A dinner and dance, collectively called a Halloween Bash, is scheduled for that evening, Oct. 26, sponsored by Central Valley Community Resources, Inc.
It’s being held at the Escalon Sportsman Club, 25195 East River Road.
Advance tickets for the dance are $20, and $24 at the door, and for the dinner, it’s $10 advance, $12 at the door, as well.
Music will be provided by Combo Puerto Rico, and the menu includes Ribs or BBQ Chicken. And organizers say they’re planning prizes for the best costumes.
The CVCR is a 501c3 Non-Profit organization, and the funds will further their programs.
The dinner begins at 5 p.m., with dancing from 7 p.m.
Call 209-869-3055 for ticket information.
Day of the Dead
To close out the spooky celebrations, the Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, will be celebrated in Riverbank on Friday evening, Nov. 1, at the Community Center Park on Third Street.
Running from 5p.m. to 8 p.m., the event will include an Altar Display, Catrin and Catrina Parade at 6 p.m., cultural dances at 6:30 p.m. and a Catrina Contest at 7 p.m.
Organizers promise lots of music and food.
Contact Nancy Garcia at the Riverbank Unified School District, 209-869-1891, extension 105, or e-mail garcia@riverbank.k-12.ca.us.
According to some sources, the “Day of the Dead” is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere in the world. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died, and helping support their spiritual journey.
