Lake Life

Spooky or fall fest, lots of events are ready for Halloween
Monitor Staff Reports
CEDAR CREEK LAKE–Halloween (or fall fest) costumes might have to be worn over jackets and warm clothing, as it is the time of year when the air turns a bit cooler – or even crispy cold.
Little ones are filled with excitement as their anticipation of the fun time builds.
Closer and closer the time comes when they get to dress up in their special costume bought with their allowance, or maybe made by grandma, or even their own creative hands.
There’s no worry about where the little princesses, ghosts or firemen will get to wear the colorful costumes.
With the leaves already beginning to turn colors, they whirl, mixing both magic and a festive note in the air, and dozens of parties and events await.
For those who enjoy the spookier side of the festival, area fire stations have made haunted houses, and some have even added hayrides, for a small fee that benefits the VFDs.
Tool haunted maze
The city of Tool Volunteer Fire Department is presenting its annual “Haunted Maze – 1,500 square feet of Terror” from 6 p.m. until midnight Saturday, Oct. 30, at the Tool City Hall. Material from the same maze used previously by “ Screams” is incorporated into the structure. A small fee is charged to enter.
Tower of Terror
The Kemp and Mabank fire departments are once again presenting their “Tower of Terror” event and hayride starting at the Mabank Pavilion at about dark Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 29-31. All proceeds earned go toward the fire training facility. Concession and souvenir T-shirts will be available at the pavilion.
Woods of Terror ride
The Payne Springs Fire Rescue is hosting its seventh annual “Woods of Terror” hayride, lasting about 45 minutes.
The trailer leaves the fire station located at 9674 State Highway 198 at dark Friday and Saturday, Oct. 29-30 and Sunday, Oct. 31, Halloween night. An all new road is open to enter and travel through the woods. For information call fire station at (903) 451-4511.
And for good family fun, plus trick or treat for the kids, there’s always the traditional events that happen annually.
Mabank Trick or Treat
Mabank Trick or Treat is set for 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at the Mabank Pavilion. Businesses, civic groups, churches and individuals are invited to participate in this annual community event. Bring your own chairs, tables decorations and lots of candy. Spaces are free on first come, first served basis. Sponsored by the Mabank Chapter of the Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. For information call Ronnie Davis at (903) 887-2211.
VFW children’s party
The VFW and Ladies Auxiliary of Post 4376 are hosting the Post’s annual community children’s Halloween party from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31. Events include a sock hop, food, fun, treats and prizes. Costume contest with prizes for top three place winners, and crowns for king and queen ghoul.
Tool Fall Festival
The city of Tool presents its second annual free “Fall Festival” for kids 12 and under from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at the Oran White Civic Center. Events include candy, games and inflatables. For information call (903) 432-3522.
P.E.T.S. Palace fest
The P.E.T.S. Palace is hosting a Halloween Happening at the Palace from 7 to 9 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29. For information call (903) 887-0044, or e-mail to apetspalace@centurylink.net.
Churches often provide an alternative to the season in the form of “Fall Fests” and other celebrations.
FBC Fall Festival
The First Baptist Church in GBC is hosting a Fall Festival from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. A safe alternative to Halloween. For information call (903) 887-6887
Lakeview Fall Festival
Lakeview Church is hosting a fall festival from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at SH 334 and Wood Street, across from the City Hall in Seven Points. Free hot dogs, chili and desserts, also games, music, candy, cake walk and lots of fellowship. For information call (9030432-2682.
Trunk or Treat
The Seven Points Church of Christ is hosting a “Trunk or Treat” from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at the church. The event provides a safe place for children to come and enjoy the fun.
Hallelujah Festival
The First Baptist Church in Eustace is hosting a Hallelujah Festival from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, in the church gym. The event is intended to be a family alternative to trick-or-treating. There will be lots of fun and games, candy, a cake walk, face painting, hayride and lots more.
Cowboy Church fest
The Rope, Catch and Ride for Christ Cowboy Church is hosting a fall festival from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. Events include hay rides, pony rides, bounce house, cake walk, games and bingo, prizes, hot dogs, nachos, frito pie and drinks. Location is north on SH 198, take a right and looks like a red barn. For information call Vickie at (903) 880-2695.
Adult costume parties and dances are also available.
CCL 49ers Halloween
The Cedar Creek Lake 49ers club is hosting a Halloween costume party from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28. Dancing to Chuck & the 49ers. No smoking or alcohol. Donation at the door. Dress code is no shorts or halter tops. Located in seven Points off SH 334, two blocks south on Arnold Hills Road. For information call or fax (903) 432-3552.
VFW dance for adults
VFW Post 4376 is planning a Halloween party and dance for adults from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. Costume contest with cash prizes for three top winners.
One church decided to delay its fall fest, thus extending the season a tiny bit.
Presbyterian event
The First Presbyterian Church of Mabank, 112 W. Mount Vernon, is hosting its “Fall Festival 2010,” set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2. The lunch menu includes Presbyterian stew, cornbread, dessert and drink for a small fee, a quilt by the churches quilters, handmade crafts, baked goods and lunch-to-go. Proceeds will benefit church projects. An early-bird sale is set for 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1.

Tips to ensure a safe Halloween
Special to the Monitor
CEDAR CREEK LAKE–Here are some tips to make certain Halloween fun is also safe.
1. Make certain your child only wears a costume made of fire-retardant materials. Avoid loose-hanging parts such as sashes, shredded parts or overly long sleeves, which can easily catch fire from a jack-o-lantern or candle, or can get caught on something.
2. Check the costume’s warning label. If it contains lead, phthalates or cadmium, choose another costume. These can be severely damaging to young children.
3. Costumes should be loose, so warm clothes can be worn underneath without restricting arm or leg movement. If your child does wear a mask, be sure holes for the eyes, nose and mouth are large enough for comfort, and that they don’t restrict vision or breathing.
4. Costumes that are too long and oversized shoes are tripping hazards. Avoid both.
5. Many safety experts recommend wearing makeup instead of a mask, but some Halloween makeup products also contain lead. Check the packaging closely before you buy. Also, test any new makeup products in a small area of the inside of the arm a few days before you intend to use it to check for reactions from latex or other adhesive allergies.
6. Consider hair-coloring products, such as a temporary spray, as an alternative to wigs. Check the product for information on washing and any concerns for dyed or chemically treated hair.
7. Outfits should be made with light-colored materials. Put a few strips of reflective tape on the costume – and on their candy bag – to make children more visible.
8. Attach your child’s name, address and telephone number (including area code) to his/her clothes, in case your child gets lost or separated from you.
9. Knives, swords and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry sharp or heavy objects.
10. Follow your community’s guidelines for trick-or-treating hours. If it’s dark outside, provide your child with a flashlight or glow stick to help them see steps and other obstructions.
11. Parents with younger children trick-or-treating should accompany them. Older children should trick-or-treat in groups.
12. If you are planning to wear decorative contact lenses – which have become a popular Halloween accessory – contact an eye care professional to ensure that they are properly fitted and are appropriate for you to wear. Angie’s List now rates medical service providers, including optometrists and ophthalmologists.
13. Inspect your child’s candy and goodies before you let them have it.
Halloween tips for homeowners:
Clear the yard. Look out for things such as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip trick-or-treaters. Also, check for low tree limbs, support wires and hard-to-see fences between yards.
Be careful with candles. Opt for a plug-in or battery-powered jack-o-lantern instead of using a live candle. If you insist on a live flame, be sure it is away from any possible exposure to trick-or-treaters’ costumes, or where they will be walking or standing.
Secure your pets. Be sure your pets are secured, or arrange for them to stay somewhere else. Some pets become frightened; others may become territorial or even aggressive towards trick-or-treaters.
Light the path. Check that the path and stairs to your front door are well illuminated and clear of obstacles. While it’s tempting to create a dark and spooky home theme, poor lighting can be a major safety hazard.
Speaking of treats. Avoid candy that has Tamarind as an ingredient, and always have children wash their hands before eating candy (that has already been inspected). Consider some healthier options like low-fat crackers, single-serve boxes of cereal, packaged fruit rolls or raisins, or non-food treats such as (unsharpened) pencils, stickers or coins.