Halloween Hollow is Valley's largest October party

Valley Life editor

The largest Halloween party in the Valley kicks off the day before the holiday, as Halloween Hollow comes to the Alaska State Fairgrounds for another year.

The event is actually a toy drive for the Special Santa program, and admission is one unwrapped toy per child (no stuffed animals, though) or $5 per child, or $1 for each adult.

Last year, more than 3,000 kids flocked to the fairgrounds for the event, which features numerous games and trick-or-treat opportunities, in a safe and structured environment.

"Last year, we got more than 1,200 toys," organizer Mari Jo Parks said. "It's a very successful fund-raiser for our program."

This year, the entire event is being consolidated under one roof -- Raven Hall -- so kids and parents won't have to wander around the fairgrounds.

Businesses and organizations sponsor and man numerous booths around Raven Hall, all offering special games and contests for children, who come in costume. There's plenty of candy, and plenty of fun to be had, organizers said.

"Businesses have been so good about supporting it," Parks said.

This year, organizers are expecting more than 3,000 people, as the event has grown every year. It gives the Special Santa a huge boost going into the Christmas season, both with toys and with funds. It has turned into one of the biggest events of the year for the organization, which served 811 families at Christmas last year -- giving gifts to more than 2,300 kids who wouldn't have received gifts otherwise.

The event runs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday (since Halloween is on Sunday, event organizers decided to host it Saturday night this year).

There are numerous Halloween and harvest parties being hosted by various organizations around the Valley as well. Several churches are hosting safe festivities, and many schools are planning celebrations as well.

Settler's Bay Lodge is also hosting a Halloween party on Oct. 30, with live music planned.