Abounds in Olney
Olney is celebrating Halloween with spooktacular events designed to get your scare on: from parades and trick-or-treating to a costume contest and a spooky haunted house there is frightful fun in store for all ages.
9 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 18-Thursday, Oct. 27, 42nd Annual Library Pumpkin Contest The Olney Community Library and Arts Center holds its famous pumpkin decorating (not carving!) contest for kids, with results announced on Halloween. Entrants can drop off their artfully decorated pumpkins, gourds and melons on Oct. 18-27 during library hours (9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday). The best viewing is on the final three days of the contest when the Jack O’ Lanterns are all on display. The library will award prizes for the most original, most creative and best workmanship. Call the library at 940564-5513 for more information and rules.
7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 25 Scares Haunted House
The Olney High School Sophomore Class of 2025 is hosting the 25 Scares Haunted House this year at The Main Room at 202 E. Main St. as a fundraiser. The Class of 2025 will be the stars of the haunted house, and will set it up with help from their parents, including organizers Madalyn Massey and Ashlyn Scrogam.
“The senior class of 2023 handed the baton off to the next class who wanted it,” Ms. Massey said. “This year’s sophomore class along with their class sponsor Mollie Pace and class president Camron McComack felt their class was up for the task, as it is a successful fundraiser that makes a lot of money that will be used to pay for prom and graduation.”
The thrills begin on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. and go until midnight. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased in advance at Eventbrite.com (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/415630811947) or at the door with cash or Venmo. The haunted house is not for the faint of heart, and the Class of 2025 warns that anyone who doesn’t want to experience intense audio and lighting, low visibility, strobe lights, fog, special effects, or sudden actions should not participate.
“We don’t recommend it for kids under the age of 12, but they are allowed with a parent,” Ms. Massey said. “[Ages] 13 and up can come without a parent.”
8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, American Legion Annual Halloween Party
The American Legion is hosting its Annual Halloween Party on Oct. 29 starting at 8 p.m. for partygoers ages 18 and up at American Legion Post 414 at 103 State Highway 251 South. There will be a costume party and tunes by DJ Rad Dad, so come dressed to impress. Donations to support Post 414’s programs are welcome and will be taken at the door,, says Commander Chris Garcia.
6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, Olney Chamber of Commerce’s Halloween Parade and Trunk or Treat
The Olney Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Halloween Parade and Trunk or Treat on Halloween night starting at 6 p.m. so grab your costume and goody bag and come watch or take part, says Chamber director Deidre Brown. Citizens will parade from South Avenue B and Main Street to Avenue D. From there, they will take a right onto North Avenue D and the next right onto Elm Street to arrive at North Grand Avenue for the Trunk or Treat. This Trunk or Treat typically is packed with around 25 to 30 local businesses and individuals who will compete for the best allaround Trunk. The 2022 Trunk or Treat winner, Olney Interbank, will hand off the trophy to this year’s winner. There will also be a competition for the most creative costume, scariest costume, funniest costume, and best-dressed pet! There will be yard games on the gazebo lawn, spooky music, and loads of candy for all to kick off their trick-or-treating.
The event is made possible by the sponsor of this event, Chamber member AJ‘s Tree and Lawn Service of Olney.
If you are interested in having a Trunk at this event, please contact Chamber director, Deidre Brown to register at 940-564-5445 or at olneytxchamber@gmail. com. Registration is not required but is strongly encouraged.