Halloween activities in Avoyelles Parish this week
Like a homeowner who gets used to the "friendly ghosts" haunting their home, Avoyelles Parish has just about decided it won't let COVID-19 keep it from enjoying the holidays that mean so much to the residents -- young and old. Most community Halloween events -- but not all -- are back this year.
As of last report, almost 7,100 parish residents have been infected with COVID at some point during the past 19 months, with 177 of those dying from the disease.
Those attending public events are reminded to maintain safe social distancing and wear protective masks if they will be in close proximity to others. It is always our message that everyone have fun, but be safe, during this happy holiday of Halloween. Now we have to add safety from a persistent and dangerous virus to our list of things to watch out for while trick-or-treating.
Here are the events the newspaper has been made aware of:
Friday, October 29
Mansura ‘Trick R Treat Around the Track’- The town of Mansura and Police Department will once again hold its outdoor “Trick R Treat Around the Track” on Friday (October 29) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public. Everyone in attendance will be asked to wear a mask as a health precaution. For more information call 964-2152.
‘Trunk-R-Treat,’ St. Genevieve Church, Brouillette- St. Genevieve Catholic Church in the Brouillette community will hold a “Trunk-R-Treat” on Friday, October 29 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Anynone wishing to “open your truck” please contact any CCD teacher. For more information call the rectory at 253-9231 Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
Saturday, October 30
Halloween on the Square, Marksville -- The Marksville Chamber of Commerce is bringing the popular Halloween on the Square back to downtown Marksville from 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 30. There is no entry fee for the event.
All businesses planning to set up a booth to hand out treats can register by visiting the website at www.marksvillechamber.org.
There is no booth fee. Any businesses or nonprofits are welcome to participate.
For more information, visit the Avoyelles Arts Council Facebook.
Hessmer Halloween event (‘Hessma-ween’) -- 5:30 to 10 p.m.- The village of Hessmer will hold its annual “Hessma-ween” on Saturday (October 30) in and around the Hessmer Community Center.
The evening will kick off with candy giveaway and a hayride followed by a costume contest for children ages 0-12. At 8 p.m., a Halloween family-friendly movie will be shown with free popcorn. Any organization wishing to set up a booth call 563-4511.
Hessmer VFD candy hand out- A candy giveaway will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Hessmer Fire Station. All COVID guideliness will be enforced. Call 563-9943 for more information.
‘Trick or Treat in Ehrhardt Park,’ Simmesport- The Simmesport RISE non-profit citizens group will hold "Trick or Treat in Ehrhardt Park," October 30 from 5-7 p.m. Businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to set up tables to hand out candy.
Everyone attending must wear a protective mask or face covering. Masks will be provided for children who do not have one.
Sunday, October 31
Moreauville Fire Dept. ‘Trick or Treating Around the Track’- The Moreauville walking track will once again be the site of “Trick or Treating Around the Track.” The event will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Sunday. Booths will be set up with activities and candy for visitors. The fire department will also give out free hot dogs and a drink to all childrn. For more information call town hall at 985-2338.
Moreauville Fire Dept. Haunted House- The Moreauville Fire Department will re-open their haunted house at the fire station at 328 Main Street from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Only small groups will be allowed through the haunted house at a time. The house is free to attend and open to everyone. For more call 985-2338.
Bordelonville VFD 'Halloween Bash'- The Bordelonville Fire Department will hold its 7th annual Halloween Bash beginning at TIME on Sunday (Oct. 31) at the Bordelonville School Walking Track.
All children participating will receive a free hot dog, bag of chips, juice, candy and bag of goodies.
Anyone wishing to set up a booth to hand out candy should contact Brandi Lemoine at 318-447-2340. Booth set up is free but participants must provide their own candy.
COVID-19 restrictions will be enforced. Each booth must provide hand sanitizer. Groups who travel together must stay together and remain six feet away from other groups. Anyone experiencing symptoms or has reason to believe they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 is asked not to attend.
In case of rain, the bash will move into the gymnasium.
Plaucheville “Halloween Night” -Plaucheville's holiday event will be from 3-5 p.m. Sunday at the Community Center. All children must be in costume and COVID restrictions will be enforced. There will be a free hot dog and hamburger give away. There will also be a costume contest in three different divisions: 0 to 3; 4 to 6 and 7 to 12. For more information call 922-3111.
Dupont "Halloween Bash”- The Dupont Fire Department will hold its event from 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday outside Fire Station No. 1 at 5626 Hwy 107 South. Children will receive a free hot dog, chips, drink and candy on a first come/first served basis.
Anyone in the Dupont/Plaucheville area is welcome to hand out treats at the event. In case of rain, the bash will move inside the station.
For more information or to set up a booth call (318) 359-1536.
Bunkie Fire Department candy giveaway- The Bunkie Fire Department will have a candy give away at the fire station at 648 Oak Street will be open duing trick-or-treating hours. Free hot dogs will be given to visitors on a first come/first served basis. For more information call 346-2614.