Organized Halloween events offer safe fun

COLUMBIA BASIN - It takes careful planning, but if one plays their trick-or-treating cards right, they could end Halloween night with enough candy to last until the new year.

Several businesses and organizations in the Columbia Basin are hosting Halloween-related events, ranging from haunted places to goodie giveaways to a candy X-ray service.

Moses Lake

Moses Lake High School - The Moses Lake High School Associated Student Body is hosting a Trick or Treat Night. The event takes place at the high school, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and starts in the commons. Clubs and organizations are decorating the rooms and passing out candy. Donations of canned goods are requested, to go to the food bank. Trick-or-treaters should be ages 11 and younger. For more information, call Moses Lake High School at 509-766-2666.

Grant County Fairgrounds - Nightscare Production is hosting a haunted house at the Grant County Fairgrounds on Tuesday and Wednesday. A less-scary version of the haunted house is offered from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the scarier version ends at 10 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 10 years old and younger. A dollar discount is given with a donation of canned food or another non-perishable food item.

Samaritan Healthcare - Samaritan Healthcare is offering free X-rays of Halloween candy, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the hospital's lobby. Candy is being X-rayed to ensure safety. For more information, call 509-766-7355.

Downtown - The Moses Lake Business Association is hosting a downtown trick-or-treat. Three blocks of Third Avenue are going to be closed and businesses are handing out candy from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Executive Director Sally Goodwin estimated 25 businesses are participating this year. The Moses Lake Fire Department is in the street handing out more candy, and Desert Springs Community Church is handing out hot chocolate.

Larson Recreation Center - Moses Lake Parks and Recreation is hosting a Learning Opportunities for Today Halloween Party at Larson Recreation Center. A party for ages 7 to 10 is from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. A party for ages 11 to 18 is from 5:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. Games and a movie are offered, as well as a costume contest. Larson Recreation Center is located at 610 S. Yakima.

Othello

Adams County Fairgrounds - The Othello Rodeo Association is presenting a haunted straw maze at the Rodeo Grounds through Oct. 31. A non-haunted maze is offered from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and a haunted maze is offered from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Rodeo Grounds is located at 821 S. Reynolds Road in Othello.

Quincy

Downtown - Quincy Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting a downtown trick-or-treat. Downtown Main Street is going to be closed and businesses are handing out candy from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Approximately 26 businesses are participating, according to chamber Executive Director Aleeta Merred. Trick-or-treaters must wear a costume.

"It's fun for kids to be in a lit, open area where everyone can see everyone's costume and say hi, and visit," Merred said.