Published: October 24, 2009 11:19 pm      

Flurry of fall festivals highlight of Halloween

PALESTINE — A variety of family-fun activities are planned locally throughout the week as Halloween approaches.

In fact, for the first time, Palestine’s WonderFall Oktoberfest event will be held on Halloween — which should make Saturday a full day of events. Once the usual Oktoberfest festivities downtown and in Old Town Palestine events end early Saturday evening, many other organizations including local churches are holding fall fests or Halloween events for area residents.

The Herald-Press will not hold a haunted house this year, but will take Halloween photos on Saturday. Families are encouraged to bring their ghouls and goblins to the Herald-Press, 519 N. Elm St., from 2 to 6 p.m. for photos. Photos only are $3 each. For photos and a photo printed in the newspaper, the cost is $5.

Some activities will start earlier in the week.

Christian Heritage Academy’s Pumpkin Patch has already opened for free photo opportunities and fun activities for families. Hours are from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Pumpkins also are available for purchase. The Pumpkin Patch is located on Sierra Drive in the parking lot next to Southside Baptist Church.

On Wednesday, Dogwood Hills Baptist Church, located on U.S. 79 in Palestine, will hold a fall fest starting at 6:30 p.m. with booths set up for the children.

On Thursday, the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens will hold Halloween at the hatchery from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for area families to bring their children to get free treats from local merchants and organizations. Admission is $1 per person, which benefits Henderson County charities. The Anglers Pavilion will be the site of a fright-free area featuring prize and game booths for small children. Parents wishing to visit this area should park in the overflow parking lot on Peninsula Point Road and enter through Gate C. For more information, call 903-670-2266.

Also on Thursday, Kroger in Palestine will have trick or treating from 7 to 9 p.m. during Kids’ Night Out.

On Friday and Saturday, a haunted trail will be offered from 8 p.m. to midnight at 610 CR 346 (Neches High School Road) in Neches. Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for children. For information about the haunted trail, call 903-584-0311 or 903-584-9195.

Halloween night will bring several family events — many hosted by local churches.

Here is a list of Halloween events on Saturday:

• First Baptist Church of Palestine will hold its third annual Trunk or Treat from 5 to 7 p.m. in the church parking lot for children ages 10 and under.

• Southside Baptist Church, 1500 Crockett Rd., will hold a fall fest from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Sierra Drive parking lot next to the church. There will be games, inflatables, rides, candy and more. Food also will be available for purchase.

• Westwood Baptist Church will host a fall festival from 6 to 8 p.m. Children of all ages are invited. There will be games, inflatables, a hayride and lots of candy. The first 600 to register will receive a free slice of pizza. The church is located at 1809 Bassett Rd. Call 903-723-8297 or visit www.wbcpalestine.org for more details.

• The Antioch Church’s Family Fall Fest will be from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 903-723-7261 or visit theantiochchurch.org.

• Walston Springs Baptist Church will host a community fall fest starting at 4 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend this event which will feature games for children of all ages. There also will be a cake walk for adults. Prizes will be awarded for winners in all games and drawings for door prizes will be held. Following the games, there will be free hot dogs, drinks and desserts for everyone.

• Tennessee Colony Church will hold a fall fest complete with cotton candy, a cake walk, nachos, chili dogs, drinks, popcorn, hayride and games.

• Memory Lane Missionary Baptist Church, 2213 Crockett Rd., will have a fall fest featuring a cake walk, games, treats and food.

• Court Drive Church of Christ will hold its “Trunk or Treat” event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

• Sheridan Terrace Baptist Church, located on Loop 256 at U.S 79 South, will hold a fall festival from 3 to 5 p.m. There will be games and snacks available for the children.

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Want to get your Halloween event listed? The Herald-Press is planning to publish another Halloween activities list in the Friday edition. If your organization’s information isn’t included, please send the information by 5 p.m. Wednesday to community editor Cheril Vernon via email at community@palestineherald.com. The information also can be faxed to 903-729-0284 or brought to the Herald-Press reception desk at 519 N. Elm St.