Halloween 2012 in Johnston: Beggars' Night Time, Trunk or Treat, Safety Tips

Ghosts, goblins, super heroes, and princesses will be celebrating over the next several days.

Beggars' Night is from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, in Johnston, but there is one other Halloween event in town.

Johnston River of Life Church is hosting a Beggars' Night party from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight at the Simpson Barn, 1669 Northglenn Drive next to the Johnston library. The event includes a "trunk or treat" event where kids can zip from car to car in the parking lot to grab treats. It's been expanded this year to also include games, live music and other activities in the barn.

Or, you can stop by Urbandale's own haunted yard for a fun, scary evening. Zombie Hollow, 3109 Pine Circle, is the work of two veterans and aims to be a fun haunt, while raising money for Sentinels of Freedom. It's open from 7 to 10 tonight. 

One person in Iowa will win a $250 prize an will qualify with 20 other state finlists for the grand prize of $5,000. It could be you! Entering is as simple as uploading a photo. The contest is open to adults and children.

Haunted Houses

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau has a full list, but here are some frightful selections:

The Slaughterhouse – Des Moines’ most feared haunted house.
8 p.m. to midnight, through Halloween
Tickets.

Linn’s Haunted House – Des Moines’ oldest haunted house.
7 to 10 p.m. through Halloween
Tickets.

Sleepy Hallow Scream Park – One of the Midwest’s largest haunted attractions.
Opens at 7 p.m. – Tonight only
Tickets.

Traffic Enforcement Effort

The Central Iowa Traffic Safety Task Force plans a three-day Halloween traffic enforcement throughout the Des Moines metro area, KCCI reported.

More police officers and troopers will be on the streets today through Halloween to help ensure the safety of trick-or-treaters and others on the streets.

Here are some safety tips from a WHO-TV report:

For Children:

• Travel with a parent/guardian or a responsible adult 
• Travel only in familiar areas 
• Inspect treats at home before eating them 
• Use flashlights or glow sticks while walking after dark 
• Remove masks and other vision obstructions prior to crossing roadways 
• Ensure costume accessories, such as swords are soft and flexible

For Drivers:

• Slow down in residential areas 
• Obey all traffic signs and signals 
• Pay extra attention at crosswalks and intersections 
• Pick a safe location and turn on hazard lights when picking up/dropping off children 
• Consider turning on the vehicle’s headlights prior to dusk

For Everyone:

• Talk openly about safety and the expectations for the night 
• Carry a cell phone if possible   
• Never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle 
• Don’t trick or treat alone 
• Remove all hazards from steps, porches, and sidewalks 
• Keep candles away from combustible materials 
• Report any suspicious behavior to the local police department