FALL FUN IN AND AROUND OZARK COUNTY

It’s that time of year, when pumpkins, apple cider and crisp, fall air set a festive tone in the Ozarks. Listed here are Halloween and fall events that residents can visit or attend in the coming weeks. 

Those organizing a local fall or Halloween-themed event should contact Jessi Dreckman at jessi@ozarkcountytimes.com or 417-679-4641 to add the event to the listings.

Ongoing attractions

McWilliams Pumpin Patch, West Plains

The McWilliams Pumpkin Patch is open Wednesday through Sunday from now through Halloween night. Admission is $5; a weekend activity band is $10. The family-fun patch features pumpkins for purchase, giant slides, corn mazes, farm animals, jumbo jumpers, corn hut, a mini zip line, a barrel train, hay rides and more. An on-site snack stand sells lunch and treat options. Mums and other fall decor are also available for purchase. 

Operating hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. 

For more information, call the farm at 417-256-6470 or search for “McWilliams Pumpkin Patch,” on Facebook. 

Bakersfield Haunted House

 The Bakersfield Haunted House, a half-mile down County Road 585 off Highway 101, is open every Friday and Saturday night through October. The haunted house operates from dark until 10 p.m. or until all visitors have left. 

Admission is $15 per person.

For more information call or text 870-656-0509. Visit www.thebakersfieldhauntedhouse.com or search for “Bakersfield Haunted House” on Facebook for continued updates throughout the month.

Fields of Terror Haunted House, Midway, Arkansas

The Fields of Terror in Midway is operating its zombie paintball shoot and haunted house Friday and Saturday nights in October from dark until 10 p.m. 

Admission to the zombie paintball or haunted house is $20 per person each; a combination deal can be purchased for $30 per person, allowing access to both attractions. 

Fields of Terror is at 1230 Cannie Baker Road, off Highway 5, about 3 miles south of Midway. For more information, visit fieldsofterror.com, call 870-405-9826 or search Facebook for “Fields of Terror.” 

Mountain Home Berry Farm

 Mountain Home, Arkansas 

Mountain Home Berry Farm hosts its fall festival weekends on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The last hayride, which takes guests to many of the activities, leaves at 5 p.m.

Guests can participate in fall activities, including hayrides, bounce houses, spring house trail tour, petting zoo, “mulch mountain” and hay play area by purchasing an activity wrist band for $7 for those age 3 and up. Children ages 2 and younger are free. 

An on-site country store sells homemade jams, jellies, butters, fresh-pressed apple cider, local honey, salsas, spices, sauces, scented candles, squash, fresh and frozen raspberries, ornamental gourds, corn stalks and hay bales. For more information, visit mountainberryfarm.com or call 1-870-425-7028.

This weekend

Clarkridge Baptist Church fall hayride

and campfire cookout, Oct. 23 

Clarkridge Baptist Church, 11345 Arkansas Highway 201 (which becomes J Highway in Missouri) in Clarkridge will host a fall hayride and campfire with cookout serving hotdogs, buns and drinks from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23. Everyone is invited. Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket and come enjoy the afternoon. For more information, contact Bill Light, 870-404-0778, or Pastor Gayle Brooks, 870-404-5397.

Docktoberfest 2021,  Oct. 23, Pontiac

Lake Bums BrewCo in Pontiac will host Docktoberfest from 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at the brewery on Parrothead Lane in Pontiac. Three bands are scheduled to provide live music throughout the day. One More Dollar will play from 1:30 to 3 p.m., Half Step Down will play from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and CC Dixon Band will play from 5:30 to 7 p.m. 

Commemorative T-shirts and food will be sold, with all proceeds benefiting next year’s “Light Up the Lake” fireworks show, held annually in Pontiac. 

Wine, soda, water, specialty drinks and Lake Bums’ own handcrafted beers can be purchased inside the brewery with cash, check or credit/debit cards. No outside alcohol is permitted on the premises. 

Movie on the Barn at Lutie School, Saturday, Oct. 23

The Lutie PTO is hosting an outdoor movie night on the “barn” located at the school off Highway 160 in Theodosia. The featured movie is the 1993 Halloween favorite “Hocus Pocus,” starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy. Entry fee is $5 per family and includes popcorn and drinks. The movie night is open to the public; it’s not limited to Lutie students and staff. 

For more information, contact Brittney Veach at Lutie School, 417-273-4150.

Monday, Oct. 25

Lutie PTO Family Fun Night, Monday, Oct. 25

The Lutie PTO is hosting a family fun night from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25, at the Lutie baseball field, located behind the school. Coffee, hot cocoa and water will be served. Attendees will roast marshmallows, enjoy drinks and play games. The family fun night is open to the public; it’s not limited to Lutie students and staff. 

For more information contact Brittney Veach at Lutie School at 417-273-4150.

Saturday, Oct. 30

Bakersfield Trunk-or-treat and chili/soup cookoff

Bakersfield’s Pride Park pavilion 

The Festival Committee of Bakersfield will host its annual Trunk-or-Treat event, this year with an added element – a chili and soup cookoff – from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at Bakersfield Pride Park pavilion. Those handing out candy can set up as early as 4:30 p.m. Fun for all ages is planned. Those wishing to enter the cookoff should bring chili or soup in a Crockpot ready for tasting. For more information, contact Brian Russell at 417-372-3343.

Dora Saddle Club’s trunk-or-treat

Dora Saddle Club Arena

The Dora Saddle Club will host its annual trunk-or-treat event at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at the Dora Saddle Club Arena at Highways 181 and H. In addition to the trunk-or-treat, the event will also feature free hotdog dinners, including chips and a soda, and costume contests by age. 

Isabella VFW Halloween party

at the VFW hall in Isabella

VFW Post #5366 in Isabella will host its annual Halloween party Saturday, Oct. 30, at its building on HH Highway, just off Highway 160. The event, which is intended for those age 21 and older, will feature live music by the Hollow Threat Band, food and drink specials and a costume contest. Costume contest entries must be made by 8 p.m. For more information call the VFW at 417-273-5008. 

Lutie Trunk-or-Treat

in Theodosia

Lutie School will host a trunk-or-treat event from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, in the school parking lot on Highway 160 in Theodosia. 

The event will also feature a “spooky hayride,” sponsored by the Lutie sophomore class, that will be guided through the walking trail behind the school. The hayride admission is $1, with proceeds benefitting the sophomores. Trunk-or-treat is free. Both events are open to all children and families; the events are  not limited to Lutie students. 

For more information call Lutie School at 417-273-4150.

Gainesville First Baptist Church

Fall fest

The Gainesville First Baptist Church will host a fall fest from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at the church on Second Street in Gainesville. The event will feature food, games, bonfires in fire pits and music. For more information contact the First Baptist Church at 417-679-4473.

Halloween night

Ozark County’s annual Trunk-or-Treat 

Sunday, Oct. 31, on the Gainesville square

Ozark County’s annual trunk-or-treat event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, on the Gainesville square. The event, hosted by the Ozark County Chamber of Commerce, is free, and everyone is welcome to join the fun. 

Children and adolescents in costume can visit vehicles parked on the square to receive candy or other treats. Those receiving candy should bring their own bag or bucket to be filled with Halloween goodies. 

Residents wishing to pass out items can park around the inner and outer edges of the square before 5:30 p.m. and bring candy, toys or other treats to hand out from a decorated car trunk, table or other Halloween display area near the vehicle. 

The event is always held on Halloween night, no matter what day of the week that falls on. 

Free parking is available at the Gainesville Saddle Club Grounds and at the former Klayman dentist office on Main Street.