Safe Halloween alternatives abound for students in Valley

With Halloween next week, schools and community groups are busy organizing safe alternatives to trick-or-treating.

Students and parents can check with their schools to see what kind of policies are in place regarding Halloween -- some schools don't permit costumes, while others eschew traditional Halloween celebrations in favor of "harvest celebrations."

There are a few Halloween activities going on in the Valley that students may want to take advantage of, however. Among those are:

Halloween Hollow -- on the Alaska State Fairgrounds, this is the largest Halloween party in the Valley. The cost of admission is one unwrapped toy, which is donated to the Special Santa program in the Valley.

On Oct. 31 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., families can go to the fairgrounds and trick-or-treat and play games in a safe environment.

The booths are manned by people representing local businesses and organizations.

Haunted House -- at the Alaska Army National Guard Alcantra Armory on Oct. 25. Ages seven and under can go from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., while general admission is from 6 to 9 p.m.

Each year, this is a Halloween highlight, and for a good cause -- admission is one can of food per person, which is donated to food banks.

The haunted house is handicap accessible, organizers said.

Halloween open house -- at the Palmer Fire Department. In its 12th year, this event allows kids to meet with Sparky, watch the robots in action and enjoy cookies and pumpkin juice with firefighters. It's open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31.

Wasilla Christian Church Harvest Party, Oct. 31. Spaghetti feed from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Games, prizes, candy and food from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Organizers ask that there are no scary costumes. Ten cents per ticket, get 10 tickets free for every pair of new or like new tennis shoes to donate to the Haitan Christian Mission. For more information, call 376-5576.