Halloween events planned at Youth Center; Local Churches; Library

by Charles Gerian

Halloween is Saturday, and several groups in Blackwell are planning events for the festive “Trick-or-Treat” night.

The Blackwell Youth Center will host a Trunk-or-Treat event along Ikerd Avenue from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. A planned Halloween dance will take place outside on the basketball court from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., weather permitting. Along with that, a Halloween contest will be conducted.

The concession stand inside will be open, with social distancing measures in place. Youth center workers will serve hot chocolate, soda, pizza, and more. Volunteers are needed, and those interested in volunteering are encouraged to call Youth Center Director Denise Hindman at 580-363-8517.

The Blackwell Public Library will host a “2020 Halloween Bash” from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

The Halloween Bash will be an outdoors event with games, candy, prizes, and a costume contest.

The Immanuel Baptist Church on 13th Street will host its annual Trunk-or-Treat from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with no inside activities planned because of the ongoing pandemic, Pastor Matt Smith said.

The Church of Christ on South Main Street will also host its own Trunk-or-Treat from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the east side of the church, with a drive-thru set up for those who wish to remain in their cars.

The Blackwell Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2855 will host an adult-oriented Halloween party on Friday. On Saturday, the organization will host a family-friendly Trunk-or-Treat from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Bingo hall parking lot on Ferguson Avenue.

Officials with the City of Blackwell said in the city’s annual Halloween proclamation that door-to-door trick-or-treating is discouraged in light of the pandemic, but that trick-or-treating will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Blackwell Chief of Police Dewayne Wood said he urges costumed individuals, as well as drivers, to take caution.

“We're asking that parents and kids plan costumes that are bright and reflective, and that parents always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds,” he said. “We ask that folks remember to only cross the street at corners or established crosswalks, and to never cross between parked cars or out of driveways.”

Wood asks Halloween-goers not to assume they have the right-of-way, as motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters.

“Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will,” Wood said.

“Never enter a home or a car for a treat,” he said. “Notify law enforcement immediately about any suspicious or unlawful activity.”

Wood also said he urges motorists to stay off of their phones, especially in residential neighborhoods, and to obey all traffic laws.

“Give yourself extra time to react to children who may dart into the street,” he said.