Harvest Fests offer kinder, gentler events
Halloween’s not for everyone – sometimes not even the traditional target audience of wee trick-or-treaters, be that their verdict or that of their parents.
Sending forth your child to knock on random neighborhood doors is not an across-the-board given this time of year, with some parents wary about speeding or distracted drivers – or even more nefarious dangers.
To that end, several churches host harvest fairs and trunk-or-treat alternatives that take the horrors of Halloween out of the occasion. They’re events that give kids a chance to gather up the sweet stuff, play some games and show off their creative costumes – non-gory and non-scary costumes-only, to be sure.
A number of churches across the region plan fear-free Oct. 31 events and open their doors to the public. Here’s a look at some:
Harvest Carnival: Carnival games, bounce houses, candy. Hot dog dinner, 6 to 6:30, for purchase. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Calvary Chapel, 4300 American Ave., Modesto. Free. 209-545-5530.
Harvest Party: Modesto Christian Reformed Church hosts pumpkin patch event with activities, dessert, and trunk-or-treat. All are welcome. 6 to 8 p.m. Dutch Hollow Farms, corner of Claribel and Oakdale roads, Modesto. Free. www.modestocrc.org
Fall Festival : For ages through fifth grade, games, candy, bounce house. Admission free, dinner for purchase. Canned food drive to benefit Interfaith Ministries. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Centenary Church, 1911 Toyon Ave., Modesto. 209-527-5441.
Trunk-or-Treat: Emanuel Lutheran Church, 324 College Ave., Modesto. Arrive by 6 p.m. for event 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 209-523-4531.
Trunk ’N Treat – Oct. 31: Candy, food, activities. 7 to 9 p.m. This Ain’t Your Mama’s Church, 650 E. Olive, 1405 W. Main St., Merced. Free. 209-384-0326.
Wonkalicious Chocolate Fest – Candy, inflatables, carnival games, face painting, children’s characters. Kids shows at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Ages 12 and under. 5-9 p.m. The House Modesto, 1601 Coffee Road, Modesto. Free. 209-529-7346.
Trunk-or-Treat: Trick-or-treat alternative with games, activities, live entertainment, inflatables and candy. 6 to 8 p.m. One Church, 2361 Scenic Drive, Modesto. Free; food for purchase. 209-521-5440.
Trunk-or-Treat: Disney-themed event with photo booths and food for sale. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Cornerstone Community Church, 17900 Comconex Road, Manteca.
This story was originally published October 21, 2016 at 1:52 PM with the headline "Harvest Fests offer kinder, gentler events."