Halloween Hollow returns

For the second year in a row, a Valley event is making sure the Halloween holiday will not only be full of treats for children on Oct. 31, but also full of gifts come Christmas.

Halloween Hollow again takes over the Alaska State Fairgrounds on Oct. 31, giving children a safe place to play games and trick-or-treat, and also helping raise money and toys for the Special Santa program in the Valley.

Last year, Halloween Hollow's debut was very successful, with more than 1,000 children participating. This year is going to be even bigger, organizers said, with as many as 3,000 people expected to attend.

The program is organized by the Special Santa program -- money raised from booth spaces goes to help buy toys, and the admission charge for children is one unwrapped toy, which eventually will be given to a Valley child at Christmas.

The Special Santa program is in its seventh year in the Valley, and brought agencies and school together to help identify families in need. Last year, more than 2,500 children were given a Christmas they wouldn't have otherwise had.

Halloween Hollow is one of the first events of the holiday season. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 31, ghosts, goblins and other children can come to the Alaska State Fairgrounds to play a variety of games and take part in several children-related activities. Businesses and organizations buy booth spaces at the event, and then put on games for the children to play.

For more information, interested people can call 745-5361.