Anderson County communities gear up for Halloween festivities
Property owner Sandy Boyd, right, and her friend Mandy Teague check out a 15-foot “Grim Reaper” statue in front of Boyd’s home on Dairy Pond Road in Norris last Friday. On the other side of the driveway is a skeleton that’s just as tall. Bond said she loves to decorate big for Halloween. (photo:G. Chambers Williams III )
Here are some of the major ones planned for our area:
• Oak Ridge: The Recreation and Parks Department will host the Children’s Halloween Party on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
This annual event is expected to draw hundreds of children and their parents,
Activities will be held throughout the western fields of A.K. Bissell Park, including a hayride, weather permitting.
Parking is available at the west parking area near the Recreation Center and on the east side near the Oak Ridge Library at 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike.
To help ensure a smooth event, the west side parking area will be filled first.
Traffic in front of the Recreation Center will flow in one direction exiting onto the Turnpike from the east side parking area.
• Also in Oak Ridge, from 2-7 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 26), the American Museum of Science and Energy will host a “Godzilla” double feature free to registered guests. At 2:30 p.m. will be “Godzilla: 2000.” At 5:30 p.m. will be “Godzilla: King of the Monsters.”
Meanwhile, the Costume Monster Mash with trick-or-treating and a miniature city smash will be held from 2-5:30 p.m.
Pre-registered guests will get a special giveaway. For more information go to oakridgechamber.org/NuclearScienceWeek.
• On Sunday (Oct. 27), the Oak Ridge Community Band will be playing in costume at 3:30 p.m. at the A.K. Bissell Park Pavilion. Admission is free.
• Norris: The fun begins with the fourth-annual Norris Halloween Trail event from 3:30-6 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 27), starting outside the Norris Community Center at 20 Chestnut Drive.
It’s described as a spooky tour for kids through the woods around the Norris Disc Golf Course, which is next to the Community Center.
This mild hike with Halloween-style decorations, treats and “spooky fun” will include more than 20 “stations” where kids can stop for an activity, including such spots as the “Haunted Doghouse.”
Kids are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. There will be treats available, as well as food trucks in the parking lot.
Advance registration is required for the Halloween Trail, and can be done through the Norris Recreation Commission’s Facebook page or at NorrisHalloweenTrail.Eventbrite.com.
• Clinton: On Sunday (Oct. 27), Clinton kicks off its spooky season with its sixth-annual Trick or Treat event from 2-5 p.m. at the Clinton Community Center.
Open to all, this free family-friendly event will include food trucks, inflatables, a petting zoo, ax throwing, family photos, and a sensory room.
• Rocky Top: Because Halloween falls on a Thursday this year, Rocky Top’s Recreation Committee has chosen the next day, Friday, Nov. 1, for its Trunk or Treat event.
Also being referred to as a fall festival, it will be held from 6-8 p.m. at George Templin Field near the public library on North Main Street.
This celebration includes food, hayrides, pumpkin carving, a costume contest and more.
• Claxton: The Claxton Volunteer Fire Department will have its eighth-annual Trunk or Treat Halloween Celebration at 6 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 26) in the Claxton Community Park.
This event, with free admission, will feature games, food, fun and lots of candy for the kids.