photocredit: wbay.com

BY: RACHEL WUMKES

Children far and wide have been planning for months.  Thinking, plotting, creatively examining all their options.  Others might not be as much into it, having Mom grab the nearest “costume in a bag” concoction as they head to the checkout line at the store.  Not caring who or what they dress up as during this eerie holiday, but instead focusing on one goal: CANDY!

Trick-or-treating is a customary celebration for children on Halloween.  Dressed in their most imaginative costumes, they travel door to door of neighborhoods, asking for treats with the question, “Trick or treat?”  The word “trick” implies a “threat” to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given.

It’s brilliant, really.  Give me candy or I will egg your house and wrap it in toilet paper!  I can only imagine the beginning of this incredible tradition.  Housewives around the country forced to stock up on bags and bags of chocolate and other goodies, hoping to ward off the evil children of the town from creating a giant mess.

With the natural passing of time, the era of begging for hordes of sugar-filled goodies on Halloween night as evolved.  Back in the day, my parents would drop me off in town with a group of friends and tell me when and where they would pick me up.  Unfortunately, those days are long gone.  And even with the fancy technology of cell phones and GPS locators, my children are growing up in a different world.  One where we have to question safety at all times.

Thus, the popular variant of trick-or-treating, known as trunk-or-treating was invented.  Often referred to as “Halloween tailgating” this occurs when children are offered treats from the trunks of cars parked in a lot.  Trunks are often decorated with a certain theme, creating an ambiance to elevate the experience.  It’s also been just recently that planned indoor Halloween events have begun, removing the inevitable freezing cold, awful Iowa weather from the equation.

It’s brilliant, really.

So where are all the best places to load up on candy this week in Clear Lake? Well, here’s the rundown.  A one-stop shop for all your Spooktacular events.

 

  1. Agape Church – Wednesday Night – 6:30-7:30PM
    1. This annual Hallelujah party is for all ages, including adults, who are welcomed to come dressed in non-scary costumes. There will be food, candy, and the ultimate 4-square tournament!
  2. Oakwood Care Center – Thursday Afternoon – 3-5PM
    1. The residents LOVE to see lot of smiling faces at their event. Come trick-or-treat in a warm, safe environment with games, snacks, and a photo booth!
  3. City of Clear Lake – Thursday Night – 5:30-7:30PM
    1. Find your favorite neighborhood and walk the streets! Main Street is always big hit, but many others in town enjoy spooky visitors as well.  Look for porch lights to be on – that’s your cue they’re ready for you!
  4. Clear Lake United Methodist Church – Thursday Night – 5:30-7:30PM
    1. Come visit the 2nd annual event on 2nd Avenue North. Visit the decorated vehicles in the parking lot around the church for treats and fun activities.  Rumor has it there will be a campfire with s’mores!
  5. Indoor Trick-or-Treating at the VFW – Thursday Night – 5:30-7:30PM
    1. Get in out of the cold (and snow) for some Halloween Fun at the VFW. Peruse the many decorated tables in the banquet room for this spooktacular event, and load your goody bag.

 

Whew!  For a touristy little lake town, that sure is a big list of incredible options!  Our local residents really know how to create a fun, safe night for the spooky ghouls and goblins in our community.

And for those too old for the candy, those interested in the darker side of Halloween fun, check out The Nightmare – Haunted Hike at Legacy Ranch on South Shore.  They’re open Halloween night, as well as Friday & Saturday night from 7-11PM.  It’s your last chance for an incredibly nightmarish evening.