Happy haunting! Halloween lurches in to Bozeman w/ family-oriented fun
Prepare for the endless parade of festive sweets as 2018 begins the march toward its impending close. Kicking off the holiday season, at least unofficially, are the tricks and (oft-excessive) treats worthy only of All Hallows’ Eve. Candy! Thrills! Chills! Here’s a look at some spooky fun events fit for the whole family this Halloween.
Kenyon Noble’s 20th Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest will take place Saturday, October 20th at all three of its locations in Bozeman, Belgrade and Livingston. This FREE community event will unfold from 10am–1pm. Pick out a pumpkin and spend a fun-filled afternoon getting your jack o’lanterns ready to scare trick-or-treaters! Costumes are encouraged, but not required.
There will be awesome prizes for three winners in each age group (0-5, 6-9 and 10-12), to be determined by contest judges near the end of the event. Must be present to win. After you’re done carving and awaiting the results, grab a complimentary snack and beverage along with a free goodie bag full of awesome Halloween swag! Kenyon Noble staff will also be holding their own costume contest where YOU vote for the winner, so get ready to critique!
On Friday and Saturday, October 26th–27th, the always-popular Anderson School Haunted House returns with FARM of FEAR! Every year, the 8th graders transform the Little Red Schoolhouse into a terrifyingly fun adventure for those who dare to visit. Lights will be ON from 5:30–6:30pm for little ones and the faint of heart. Early admission is $5 per person. Lights will be OFF from 7–10pm with plenty of frights! The kids have gone all out to thrill and scare in 2018, so beware!
General admission is $8. A limited number of Fast Pass tickets are available for $15. Skip the line altogether for $30. There will be lots of treats, food and drinks to enjoy while you wait! All funds raised go toward Anderson School’s 8th grade class trip to Washington, D.C. FARM of FEAR can be found just 5 miles south of Huffine off Cottonwood Rd. at the Little Red Schoolhouse.
Start your Halloween celebrations early with the Museum of the Rockies’ “grossest” annual tradition! This year’s Family Grossology Halloween Party is set for Saturday, October 27th from 2–5pm. Come in costume to see disgusting science, make some icky crafts, and check out what your scabs look like on the big screen. Spooky stories and goody bags make this the perfect family costume party for all “mad scientists”! This event is included with Museum admission.
Now for some candy collection on the day of! Get an early start with Bozeman Health Trick-or-Treating on Wednesday, October 31st from 3:30–5:30pm. Show off your costumes in the pediatric wing of the hospital, then follow the candy corn trail. Stay warm while you fill up your pillow cases with your friends and siblings!
Then, ‘round the troops and hit Main for some Downtown Trick-or-Treating from 4–6pm. Parents: let your kids enjoy the brisk outdoors for a little Halloween fun and safely gather goodies at over 150 businesses! This free event will go on rain, snow, or shine.
Just up the road, the annual Malloween Trick-or-Treat event takes over Gallatin Valley Mall from 5–7pm. Kids can enjoy a safe and warm indoor trick-or-treating. Simply visit the entrance of participating retailers throughout the mall for a great selection of candy and fun costumes. Meet Champ, get free family photos, and plenty of candy while staying warm and dry!
There’s more than just family fun on the calendar! Plenty of adult-oriented, Halloween-themed events are also happening throughout the area this season. Flip through this issue of The BoZone for further details. •