Community groups, churches schedule Halloween events
16th annual Forrest Street Parade to be held Monday in Forrest City
Several events are planned throughout St. Francis County for everyone to have an enjoyable and safe Halloween.
The Forrest City Public Library will be the first to host a Halloween event, with their activities for children in kindergarten through 12th grades scheduled for Friday, between 1 and 3 p.m.,
"It is geared toward virtual learning students, but we've opened it up for the public to attend," said Sheila Gracey, children and youth services coordinator. “We'll be doing crafts, a story time with the younger ones and touring the library.”
Gracey said those planning to visit the library are encouraged to wear costumes and the library staff will be giving candy to those who attend.
On Saturday, Oct. 29, there are several events set to take place.
Oak Hill Church of God, 97 SFC 309, will also be holding a fall festival on Saturday, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Oak Hill Pastor Mitch Huffaker said the free event will offer a lot of family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy.
"We will have a petting zoo, bouncy house, face painting, carnival games, free food and pumpkin carving contests, to name a few," said Huffaker, adding that those participating in the contest should bring their pumpkin already carved and ready for judging.
"If it does rain, we are doing most of it in the gym," he said. “People can dress up if they like and we plan to have a photo booth set up.”
Forrest City Burger King will host a trunk-or-treat on Saturday, from 5 to 7 p.m.
"We'll hopefully have it outside in the parking lot, but if it rains we'll have it inside here in our store," said Stephanie Cobb, general manager at the local restaurant.
Cobb said there will be candy and crowns for children.
"We are also doing a costume contest," said Cobb, adding that the person with the best costume on Saturday will be able to eat free with their family on Monday.
On Sunday, Oct. 30, the City of Forrest City will be holding its annual trunk or treat drivethrough at the Forrest City Sports Complex from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
The original date for this event was Saturday, but due to
(Continued from Page 1) rain being in the forecast for that day, city officials announced this morning that the event would be held Sunday.
Kinyuana Smith, administrative assistant with the city, said groups wanting to participate in handing out candy and other prizes still have time to register through the city.
"If they want a table they can call city hall and speak to either me or Markita Anthony to register," said Smith. "We just want to make sure all the candy is wrapped.”
For more information call Smith or Anthony at 870-6331315.
The City of Palestine has also changed the date for its truck or treat due to the forecast.
The event is set to take place on Monday, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., in the downtown Palestine area. It was also originally set for Saturday.
The 16th annual Forrest Street Halloween Parade, sponsored by the Forrest City Advertising and Promotion Commission, will be held Monday.
"Barricades will block the street for trick or treaters at the Forrest and Dillard and Forrest and Fussell intersections between 5:30 and 7 p.m.," said Vince Billingsley, one of the organizers.
"We have a lot of volunteers this year," added Billingsley, who said he also appreciates the A&P and CoreMark for their contributions this year.
Billingsley also everyone is welcome to set up a booth along Forrest Street. "There isn't a signup and anyone who wants to participate is welcome to come, find a clear spot and set up," he said.
Billinglsey said he is looking forward to seeing all of the trick or treaters again this year.
"The Forrest City Fire Department, Junior Auxiliary of St. Francis County and the Grim Reaper will all be in attendance," he said.
Also on Monday, Ridgewood Baptist Church, on Highway 1 North in Caldwell, will be holding a Harvest Fest from 6 until 8 p.m.
According to Gloria Scott, the event will be held inside the church and be for children up to sixth grade.
"There will be food, hot dogs, chips and drinks," said Scott. "And we will have all kinds of games set up."
Scott said there will also be a place for children to take pictures.
"We'd love to have everybody and anybody is welcome. We can't wait to see everyone's costumes," said Scott.
Forrest City has also set the official trick-or-treat times for this year. According to city officials, children are asked to trick or treat between 5 and 8 p.m., on Monday.