GRAHAM COUNTY — Halloween starts early in the Gila Valley this year, and local children and adults will have plenty of opportunities to wear their costumes.
Monday, Oct. 27
Things start Monday, Oct. 27, with the Spooktacular at John Mickelson Field on the campus of Eastern Arizona College, starting at 6 p.m. to benefit Nathaniel’s Childhood Cancer Foundation. There will be trick-or-treating, games, a bounce house and food. Wristbands are $5 each.
From 6-9 p.m., the public can get an early view of Puerto Muerte, the pirate-themed village and haunt at 1969 E. Solomon Road in Safford. Admission is free but donations are welcome.
Wednesday, Oct. 29
On Wednesday, Oct. 29, Safford Police will host the second annual SPD Spooky Fest Haunted House for kindergarteners, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Safford Police Station.
Beehive Homes of the Gila Valley in Thatcher will host trick-or-treating “for children 2 to 101” from 6-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 30
On Thursday, Oct. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., the EAC Stem Club will host its alien-themed Haunted House at the Ranch House on the Eastern Arizona College Discovery Park Campus.
The Thatcher 3rd Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will host a trunk-or-treat open to the public from 5:45-7:30 p.m., at the Thatcher Stake Center.
The Pima Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization will host its annual Halloween Carnival, from 6-8 p.m., at the Pima Junior High School football field. Admission is $5 and there will be games, Ultimate Bounce, face painting, One More Run dummy roping plus food trucks and carnival foods.
Friday, Oct. 31
Trunk-or-Treats
Lamb and Vine will host Trick or Treat at the Patch, on Lizard Bump near Pima. There will be stickers, candy, toys, bracelets and more.
Triumphant Learning Center in Safford will host a trunk-or-treat from 4-6 p.m. There will also be games, food and drink, and a canned food drive hosted by the TLC Rotary Club. Each donated food item will earn a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a “boo basket.”
Haven Health in Safford will host a trunk-or-treat in its parking lot in Safford, starting at 4:30 p.m. until the candy is gone.
All Saints Episcopal Church will host a trunk-or-treat from 5-7 p.m. in the church’s parking lot in Safford.
First United Methodist Church will host a trunk-or-treat in the church parking lot in Safford, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Josiah House Recovery will host a trunk-or-treat on the lawn in front of Safford City Hall, from 6-8 p.m. There will also be a bake sale.
Haunted Houses and Gatherings
Wild Horse Haven and New Leash on Life will host Spooky Halloween with the Horses on Friday, at the arena on Powerline Road south of Safford. There will be trick-or-treating, cornhole and pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey games, and horse painting with Nova. Plus attendees can bring apples and carrots to share as treats for the horses.
The Puerto Muerte, the pirate-themed village, haunt and trick-or-treating on Solomon Road in Safford returns Friday from 6-10 p.m. Admission is free and donations of nonperishable food items for area food banks will be accepted.
The EAC Stem Club’s alien-themed Haunted House at the Ranch House on the Eastern Arizona College Discovery Park Campus returns Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Adults
Sarah’s Bullpen will host Down the Rabbit Hole: Sarah’s Mad Halloween. There will be a costume contest with a $100 first prize, $50 for sexiest and a trip to Las Vegas for the best couples costume. Plus DJ White Rabbit will be spinning music all night long.
Trailhead Hideaway will host “scarey-okee” from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and a costume contest with prizes at 11 p.m.
The Ranch Restaurant and Dirty Cowboy Saloon will host a Halloween After Party and lip-synch contest starting at 9 p.m.
