HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Families looking for Halloween fun have plenty of options across Harford County this October, including trunk-or-treats, downtown trick-or-treating, campfires, ghost hunts and Halloween festivals.
Here are some of the community events scheduled across the county:
The Harford County Sheriff's Office will host its annual Faith & Blue Trunk or Treat, giving families a chance to trick-or-treat while meeting local law enforcement officers and community partners. The sheriff's office says costumes and candy bags are encouraged.
When: Oct. 9, 5 to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Where: Harford Community College, Lot A, 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air
Ages: All ages
Families can enjoy live animal encounters, crafts, candy, a costume photo booth, apple cider, a campfire and other seasonal activities. Some activities and food may cost extra.
When: Oct. 10, 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, 700 Otter Point Road, Abingdon
Registration: Not required
Participants can hear stories about Eden Mill's reportedly haunted history before joining a guided ghost hunt using paranormal investigation equipment. The program includes ghost stories, evidence collected during previous investigations and, weather permitting, guided investigations of the mill and cemetery.
When: Oct. 10, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Ages: 10 and older with a registered adult
Where: Eden Mill Nature Center, Pylesville
Registration: Required
Harford Dance Theatre celebrates the 40th anniversary of its Halloween production as Harriet heads to a museum in search of the perfect costume. Audience members are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes.
When: Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.; Oct. 10 and 11 at 1 and 5 p.m.
Cost: Reserved seats start at $20
Where: Chesapeake Theater at Harford Community College, 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air
Downtown Bel Air businesses will stay open late for an evening of Halloween-themed shopping and activities. The town encourages visitors to gather their "ghoul-friends" for the annual event.
When: Oct. 15, 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Downtown Bel Air
Families can enjoy trunk-or-treating along with costume and decorated-car contests. The costume competition includes several age divisions and prizes for categories including funniest, scariest and most original. A rain date is scheduled for Oct. 24.
When: Oct. 17, starting at 3:45 p.m.
Where: St. Margaret School Middle School parking lot, Bel Air area
Donation: Participating families are asked to bring two nonperishable food items for the Harford County Food Bank.
VFW Post 8672 will host a community trunk-or-treat in Forest Hill.
When: Oct. 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 1714 Morse Road, Forest Hill
More information: 410-692-5414
Costumed children can visit participating businesses throughout downtown Bel Air for treats. Participating businesses will display trick-or-treat posters outside their storefronts. Children should be accompanied by an adult.
When: Oct. 24, 1 to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Where: Downtown Bel Air
Families can visit decorated trunks and collect treats during the Ring Factory Elementary PTA's Halloween event. Families interested in decorating a trunk can register in advance. Organizers also are accepting donations of unopened, individually wrapped candy.
When: Oct. 25, 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Ring Factory Elementary School, 1400 Emmorton Road, Bel Air
Families can gather around the campfire for Halloween stories and s'mores the night before Halloween.
When: Oct. 30, 6 to 7 p.m.
Cost: $10 per family
Where: Eden Mill Nature Center, 1617 Eden Mill Road, Pylesville
Ages: All ages
Registration: Required
Children are encouraged to wear costumes for an evening campfire by the water with stories and roasted treats.
When: Oct. 30, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, 700 Otter Point Road, Abingdon
Registration: Required
Homeschool students can dress in costume for an afternoon of music, dancing and Halloween activities.
When: Oct. 30, 2 to 4 p.m.
Ages: 12 to 16
Cost: $20
Where: Churchville Recreation Center, 3023 Level Road, Churchville
Registration: Required
Children can visit decorated trunks, collect candy and show off their costumes during a Halloween morning trunk-or-treat.
When: Oct. 31, 9 to 11 a.m.
Where: Kiddie Academy of Bel Air-James Run, 2905 Strasbaugh Drive, Bel Air
Harford County Parks and Recreation will host a Halloween celebration geared toward preschoolers.
When: Oct. 31, 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Eden Mill Nature Center, Pylesville
American Legion Post 47 will host a Halloween Boo Bash in Havre de Grace.
When: Oct. 31, 6 p.m.
Where: American Legion Post 47, 501 St. John St., Havre de Grace
More information: 410-939-0234
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