Local Halloween events
There are plenty of thrillingly fun Halloween and fall events in Ozark County. We’ve compiled this list of local events:
Thursday, Oct. 31
Dora School’s trunk-or-treat: Dora School’s trunk-or-treat will begin at 5 p.m. Halloween night at the school. A hotdog, chips and a drink will be “sold” by donation. Student groups will also be set up with various booths, including one with snow cones for sale. For more information, contact Dora School at 417-261-2337.
Gainesville Health Care Center trick-or-treating: The Gainesville Health Care Center nursing home residents welcome all area ghouls and goblins to make a stop at its facility and trick-or-treat down the hallways. Residents and staff alike love seeing children in their costumes! Trick-or-treating will be offered from 5:45 to 8 p.m. Halloween night, Thursday, Oct. 31. To round out the night, those celebrating Halloween in Gainesville could trick-or-treat at GHCC, then head to the Gainesville square for its annual trunk-or-treat event and end the night at the Gainesville Baptist Church’s fall fest, which is within walking distance of the square. See information on those events below.
Gainesville trunk-or-treat event: This annual trunk-or-treat, which has grown over the years to welcome hundreds of children Halloween night, is one of the largest around. The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, on the Gainesville square. Free parking is available in designated parking areas at the Gainesville Saddle Club grounds on Main Street - as well as across the street in the former Klayman dentist office city-owned space. All individuals, businesses and organizations are welcome to pass out candy. Set up will begin at 5:30 p.m., and those wishing to participate as candy-givers can choose a parking spot on the outer edge of the Gainesville square. Those passing out candy are encouraged to decorate their truck or space, but it isn’t a requirement.
Gainesville First Baptist Church Fall Fest - The Gainesville First Baptist Church has offered its wonderfully fun Fall Fest on Oct. 31 for many years, and it continues as a popular spot for children and parents alike. The church offers a delicious (free) hot dinner, numerous kids games with prizes, fire pits, puppets and treats galore. Everything is free, and everyone is invited. It makes a great stop in coordination with the Gainesville trunk-or-treat event, above, as its within walking distance from the square.
Lutie School trunk-or-treat and spook walk - Lutie School is hosting a trunk-or-treat event from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, in the school parking lot. Everyone is invited. The Lutie freshmen class is also hosting a spook trail hayride for those who like to be scared from 5 to 9 p.m. that night on the Lutie walking trail, directly behind the school. The haunted hayride costs $1 per person.
Rockbridge trunk-or-treat and outdoor movie: Rockbridge Rainbow Trout Ranch is hosting a trunk-or-treat event at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, at its resort (4297 County Road 142 in Rockbridge). The event will also feature a free outdoor movie showing of “Hocus Pocus” beginning at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited. For more information, contact the resort at 417-679-3619.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Flotsam Farm Garloween Party, Sycamore: Flotsam Farm is hosting its annual Garloween party at the farm off Highway 181, north of Gainesville, near Hodgson Mill, on Nov. 2. The family-friendly event kicks off, quite literally, at 3 p.m. with a group kickball game. A potluck dinner will be served at 5 p.m., and organizers say there will be a variety of “garlic-themed entertainment.” There will be several bands playing in the farm’s open-air barn venue including The Owlettes, Turtle Soup, Broken Knuckle, Sarah Kay, Enheduanna, Creek Stink and Dottie. Costumes are encouraged. The event is open to the public for a $10 donation. The farm is located at 13962 Highway 181 in Sycamore.
Take 5 Halloween party and 5-year anniversary bash, south of Gainesville near Arkansas state line - The Take 5 bar is hosting their 5-year anniversary bash beginning Saturday, Nov. 2. There will be a Halloween costume contest, live music by Mike Tovar and Ryan Dickerson Band, dance contest, karaoke contest and hourly prize drawings (must be present to win). The fun will continue Monday, Nov. 4, with all day gift drawings, live music by David Dunn from 5 to 8 p.m. and a grand prize drawing.