Trick-or-Treat Events Leading Up to Halloween

Halloween is quickly approaching here in East Tennessee, and many are anxiously anticipating the arrival of the spookiest day of the year. You already have costumes picked out for your little ghouls and goblins, all of the festive candy buckets are selected, and everything is in place. The problem for many families today is finding a safe place to take their families trick-or-treating. Fear not! What follows is a list of family-friendly trick-or-treating events and activities that will be sure to please everyone.

On Saturday, October 28, Mt. Vale Church of God will be holding its third annual trick-or-treat event at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. This free event will be held from 4pm to 8pm on the night of the 28th, and will feature local businesses and churches coming together to provide a safe environment for families to have some spooky fun. There will be food, drinks, singing, face painting, and inflatables. Other local churches will have their own trick or treating events over the coming days. Check through your own church’s bulletin board or Facebook page for more information.

If you would like to drive slightly farther for some Halloween treats, there are several alternatives to choose from. In Knoxville, Boo at the Zoo has been taking place for several weekends in the month of October. The final weekend will take place on October 26 – October 29. The event will be held from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. nightly, and will have a variety of goodies and other entertainment to choose from. The cost is $9 per person, with children 4 and under getting in free. The event also has free parking.

Knoxville also has the All Hallows Eve Special Trains. The event is located at 2560 University Commons way. The trains began on the 13th, and will run through October 29. The trains are family-friendly, with decorations and festive treats for everyone to enjoy. There are a variety of diesel and steam trains to choose from, depending on the day your train is scheduled. Children 3 – 12 are $7.50, and adults are $28.50. Infants get in free. Come in costume or just as you are.

The Island in Pigeon Forge will be holding its 5th annual Halloween event on October 28th. The theme this year is a Halloween carnival, featuring acrobats, side shows, stilt walkers, and contortionists. It will also feature free family and friend photos. There are also treats to be discovered as you make your way through The Island. Giveaways and games will also be featured, as well as a costume contest for all ages beginning at 6:30. No registration is required for the contest. The event will run from 5 to 9 pm, and there will be free parking and admission.

Gatlinburg will host their city Halloween events beginning on Saturday, October 28th. Greenbrier Campground will hold a trick-or-treating event beginning at 3 pm. The event is open to the public. Games, prizes, food, inflatables, and hayrides will be offered upon admission. The campground will have a trick-or-treat parade beginning at 6pm. On Halloween, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies will hold their celebrations from 1 to 5 pm. The aquarium will have contests, games, food vendors, and lots of candy. Proceeds from some activities will benefit United Way of Sevier County. Have a safe and spooky Halloween!

Source: Elizabeth Lane, Jefferson County Post Staff Writer