Time to Trick or Treat

No shortage of Halloween events and festivities this year for young and old alike

WILLIAMS - From carnivals to costume contests, the next few days bring plenty of Halloween fun to residents of Williams.

The frightening festivities begin with the Williams Elementary-Middle School Halloween Carnival tomorrow from 5-7:30 p.m. The popular annual carnival will include a costume contest, haunted house and plenty of food.

Carnival organizer Deniz Chavez-Brock said the costume contest will be divided into age categories all the way up to adults.

"We were thinking of adding a family category for families that go together," she said.

Prizes include stuffed animals, personal pan pizzas from Pizza Hut, and ice cream sundae coupons, among others.

Chavez-Brock said most of the proceeds from the carnival go to the third grade overnight trip to the Phoenix Zoo. Individual teachers sponsor each booth.

"They get to keep 80 percent of whatever they take in and the third grade keeps 20 percent," Chavez-Brock said.

Game booths will include a fishpond, balloon dart throw, golf putting, miniature bowling, basketball toss and football toss. Tickets to play the games are four for $1 with most games requiring three to four tickets.

Those who attend the carnival on an empty stomach will be in luck. The third grade class plans to offer barbecue beef and pork sandwiches with potato salad and beans. Nachos and pickles will also be for sale. Special Olympics will sell popcorn as well.

The haunted house will be constructed on the auditorium stage.

"This is going to be our fourth year," Chavez-Brock said. "It's starting to become a big thing."

Chavez-Brock said the haunted house is not for younger children or the faint of heart.

"It's way scary," she said.

The spooky attraction will be limited to children 10-years-old and up.

Canyon Club Halloween Party and Costume Contest

Planning your best costume ever or have a tried and true outfit ready to go? Head down to the Canyon Club's Halloween party Friday from 7 p.m. until closing. The party features a DJ along with live music from Rewired. The costume contest begins around 9 p.m. with cash prizes going to first and second place winners. Partygoers are encouraged to bring a dish for a potluck to provide revelers the energy to have fun all night long. Drink specials will also be available.

Recreation Center Halloween Spooktacular

For those looking for more frightening thrills, the city of Williams Recreation Department, Williams Alliance and Williams Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting the ever-popular annual Halloween party. Celebrate 6-9 p.m. Saturday at the Williams Recreation Center, 300 W. Railroad Ave. Highlights include a haunted house, popcorn balls, decorating, pumpkin coloring, magical fun and more.

While the majority of the activities are family oriented, Rose Newbold, recreation director, said the haunted house, located in the skate park, is not suitable for younger trick-or-treaters.

"We're thinking anyone seven or under, you may not want them to enter," Newbold said. "Even age 10-year-olds, it will be a question of whether their parents want them to go in or not."

A $2 donation or a canned food item is requested. All monetary proceeds will go to the Williams Youth Center Project and food items will benefit the Williams Food Bank.

Activities in the Rec Center will be geared towards families with games, crafts and a cakewalk.

"It will be for anybody that wants to come out and enjoy Halloween with their children that are too small or don't want to get spooked in the haunted house," Newbold said.

For more information, to donate baked goods for the cakewalk or to find out how you can help, call Recreation Director Rose Newbold at (928) 635-1496.

Wicked Wings Throw Down

The Williams Maine Street Association and the NAzBBQ committee are hosting a Wicked Wing Throw Down 6-8 p.m. Saturday at Cruiser's. The event will help raise funds for the Fourth of July barbecue cook off in downtown Williams.

The throw down is open to all cooks, who must provide at least 50 wings. The entry fee is $25. Judging is open to all for a $5 per person fee.

Applications are available at the Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce, 200 W. Railroad Ave. or online at williamschamber.com.

Judges and contestants are encouraged to attend in costume.

KOA Campground Halloween Festival

New this year is Grand Canyon KOA's Halloween Festival Oct. 31 from 1-3 p.m. Festivities will include a costume contest with prizes for best costume and best pet costume, carnival games and tasty treats.

Game prizes will be included. Event organizer and campground manager Judy Lollich said the prizes will be small trinkets.

"Not so much candy because kids will be candied out," Lollich said.

Game tickets are $1 or six tickets for $5.

For more information call (928) 635-2307.

Trunk or Treat

Looking for a safe way to trick or treat? Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m., Trunk or Treat will take place in the parking lot of the Methodist Church, at Second and Sherman. There will be games, carnival events and lots of candy. Hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks will be available for everyone as kids enjoy the decorated trunks and candy.

Family Harvest Church Fall Festival

Family Harvest Church, located at 220 S. Seventh Street will host its fall Festival from 6-8 p.m. Sunday. The event includes food, games and a bounce house.

For more information, call (928) 635-5208.

Junipine Fire Station Fall Festival

From 5-8 p.m. Sunday, the Junipine Fire Station, located at 7422 N. Ponderosa Ave., will host its third annual Fall Festival. The event features free games for all ages, trick-or-treat hayride, cakewalk, costume contest and face painting. Affordable professional photography will be available. Raffle tickets are $1 per ticket or six for $5.

Sandoval's "Halloween House"

Open to kids of all ages, the Sandoval family presents their Halloween Maze at 6 p.m. Sunday at 631 W. Oak Street.

Bring a can of food to donate to the Williams Food Bank in exchange for candy.

For more information call Christina Sandoval at (928) 814-6915.