Thanks to the efforts of a lot of people, Branson area children have a number of opportunities for a safe Halloween alternative to the traditional door to door trick or treating. From trick or treats to a haunted forest and hayrides, area children can have a “Boo of fun” and get lots of treats, all safely and for free.
The Hollister Boo Bash and Halloween Walk is a cooperative effort between the city of Hollister and the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA. It will be held at the YMCA in the Hollister Industrial Park from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Talbird Lovan, Executive Director of the YMCA, said there will be a variety of activities including a carnival, a Haunted Maze and Hay Rides. He said over 800 kids participated last year, more is expected this year and additional donations of candy and treats would be appreciated.
The carnival will have a number of activities and games such as the fish pond, a pumpkin toss etc. with prizes for each event. In addition there will be a costume contest with prizes. Big Brothers and Sisters will have Hay Rides leaving periodically throughout the evening.
The Haunted Maze sponsored by the city of Hollister is a unique feature of this event. Margie Williams, Finance Director for the city of Hollister a.k.a. The Queen of Halloween said the Haunted Maze winds through a darkened area with exciting and scary “scenes” such as the Haunted Forest and Illusion Table waiting around each turn.
Each of the “scenes” is performed by a volunteer from or representing the city of Hollister’s government and most involve actions intended to add an element of Halloween excitement to the maze. Williams reminds parents that some scenes it might be too “scary” for some smaller children and all they have to do is ask any of the volunteers performing in a given scene not to “perform” and they will stand motionless as the child passes by. There are additional treats awaiting those who complete the maze.
Additional information on the even can be obtained by calling the YMCA at 417- 337-YMCA (9622.)
Tanger Outlet Mall will offer trick or treating from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday Oct. 31. Although a spokesperson from the mall’s customer service could not be specific as to their design she did say that each of the participating stores will have distinctive signs. For additional information call Tanger Mall at 417-337-9331.
Over 75 of the merchants in Branson Landing will be participating in the Landing’s 2nd Annual Safe Street Trick or Treat event on Friday, Oct. 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tammy Schloten, Director of Marketing for the Landing, said the event is open to costumed children up to the age of 12 and provides a safe Halloween alternative with lots of treats. All the activities will take place in the Landing’s promenade and Town Square.
Sholten explained that each of the merchants participating in the event will have a “pumpkin sign” prominently displayed in their front window and will be handing out treats to the costumed children. She also pointed out that special Halloween decorations will be placed up and down the promenade and in Town Square and that the first 1,000 kids to visit the cool Halloween Witch in the Town Square will be given free Halloween bags, really big bags to hold all their treats. Legend has it this really cool Halloween Witch has lots of treats too. For additional information call Branson Landing at 417-239-3002.
Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.
