Local churches offering Halloween events

MAT-SU -- The First Baptist Church of Wasilla is celebrating Halloween with an all-church fall festival, an event that has taken place for several years at the church.

On Oct. 31, from 7-8:30 p.m., the church is hosting the event, which includes plenty of games, refreshments and social time for young and old alike.

"It really is a nice event every year," said Cassie Lovett, who works at the church. "It is a Halloween alternative for everybody."

There is no official stance on costumes for the event, although one particular group seems to sway toward the notion of wearing them.

"The little ones seem to get dressed up in costumes every year, and that's fine," Lovett said.

The event is family-oriented, and the activities are planned with that in mind. In addition to refreshments, there will be face painting, a cake walk, a fish pond and other carnival-type games such as the ring toss.

For more information about the event, interested people may call the First Baptist Church of Wasilla at 376-4668.

Illuminated pumpkin walk set for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

The second annual pumpkin walk is scheduled for Halloween, from 6-8 p.m. People are invited to come stroll through the pumpkin patch, which will be lit.

More than 75 carved and illuminated pumpkins will be set up along the path. Last year, the event was a hit.

"We had about 100 pumpkins there, and people really got into it," said Deb Hanson, one of the event's organizers. "We are hoping to have another good turnout this year."

People interested in having their pumpkins displayed can drop them off at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church either today or tomorrow before 4 p.m.

The pumpkins will be set up from 4-6 p.m. tomorrow, and then the path will be lit up for families to enjoy, starting at 6 p.m.

The event is geared toward families, and is free to all participants. There is no charge to have your pumpkin displayed, either.

For more information about the event, interested people may contact Hanson at 745-5306.