Halloween events planned
SIKESTON - Parents looking for safe Halloween fun will
be able to choose from several events open to the
public Oct. 31.
The Sikeston Factory Outlet Stores are keeping their
tradition of passing out candy "so kids can trick or
treat and be able to do it in a safe environment,"
said Sikeston Factory Outlet Stores manager Lisa
Neumeyer. "This is our sixth year."
Refreshments, prizes, and safe trick or treating for
children 12 and under will be available from 4-7 p.m.
at the outlet stores. Neumeyer said the first 500 kids
to arrive will also get a free glow-in-the-dark
necklace courtesy of Sonny's Solid Waste.
Donations and contributions from sponsors keep this
event free for area children, according to Neumeyer.
Sponsors for the event so far include the Miner Police
and Fire Department, Drury Southwest and Alan Wire in
addition to donations from individuals.
Those interested in donating prizes or otherwise
sponsoring this event can call Neumeyer at 472-2222.
The YMCA of Southeast Missouri will host "The Night of
Make Believe" from 6-8 p.m. at the YMCA on Tanner
Street, according to Jeff Partridge, director. "We do
it in conjunction with several of the churches in
town."
The cost is $1 per child and is open to the public.
Children must be accompanied by adult, however.
"The Night of Make Believe" will feature "games,
activities, story telling, face painting, candy,
snacks - all that sort of stuff," said Partridge.
"This is the third year we've done this."
For those who prefer non-frightening and non-violent
costumes, the Hunter Acres Caring Center will host a
"Haunted Carnival" from 10-11:30 a.m. for children 10
and under in the facility's large dining room.
Another option for those preferring events without
scary costumes is the Second Annual Harvest Fest being
held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mission Missouri at 218 Dixie
Street sponsored by the Scott County Heart Health
Coalition.
Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Children
under age 10 must be accompanied by a parent.
For more information about the games, treats, prizes
and food planned for the evening of Oct. 31, call
Tonya Bonner at 472-6376.
Missy Marshall, director of the Sikeston Area Chamber
of Commerce, said those in the area should also
consider events planned for Saturday at both Beggs
Pumpkin Patch and Granny's Antiques and SEMO Ag
Museum. "The haunted hay maze seems to be the big
thing now," said Marshall.
Area day care center kids are invited to visit some of
the local nursing homes Oct. 31 as well.
Clearview Nursery and Rehabilitation Center residents
will pass out candy during "trick or treat" visits
from area day cares scheduled between 9 a.m. and 3
p.m.
The East Prairie Nursing Center will have cookies and
punch at 10:30 a.m. for day care students and will
award prizes for the ugliest, prettiest and most
original costumes.