Editor
Families throughout the Southside can choose from a variety of activities for Halloween-related fun.
For everyone’s safety, municipal law enforcement authorities have set official hours for trick-or-treating on Thursday, Oct. 31:
Indianapolis – 6-8 p.m.
Beech Grove – 5-8 p.m.
Greenwood – 6-8:30 p.m.
Southport – 6-8 p.m.
The Southsider Voice wants everyone to have a safe Halloween. Here are some safety tips from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department:
*Wear light-colored clothing short enough to prevent tripping and add reflective tape.
*Wear fire-resistant costumes
*Make sure children can see well through face masks
*Don’t wear masks or disguises into businesses
*Adults should accompany young children and children with special needs
*Go out in daylight hours if possible or carry a flashlight if you’ll be out after dark
*Motorists are reminded to slow down and be aware of their surroundings
*Only give and accept wrapped or packaged treats
*Examine all treats before allowing children to eat them. If you find a suspicious item, contact your local police department
*Avoid props such as toy guns, which can look real
*Check the weather and have appropriate dress under costumes in the event of cold temperatures
Here is a list of some Southside activities
GOLDEN LIVING CENTERS PARTY
A Halloween party will be held Saturday, Oct. 26, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Golden Living Centers, 2860 Churchman Ave. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to dress scary, frightful or freaky. The party features games, candy and a fun kid zone. Info: call 317-787-3451.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF GREENWOOD
Trunk or Treat will be at the First Baptist Church of Greenwood, 99 W. Main St., Saturday, Oct. 26. Hours are 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fun, games and candy for all. Parking available in the upper lot; the event will be in the lower parking lot.
FUN NIGHT AT OUR LADY OF GREENWOOD
The Knights of Columbus will host a fifth annual Halloween fun night at Our Lady of the Greenwood, 399 S. Meridian St., Greenwood, Saturday, Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Trunk or Treat will be in OLG’s south parking lot. The youth ministry will have various activities, including a hayride, plus hot dogs and cider.
TREATS IN SOUTHPORT
The City of Southport is having its Trunk or Treat at the community building, 6901 Derbyshire Road, Sunday, Oct. 27, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Adults will have their vehicles decorated and will be passing out treats. Residents are urged to bring their children dressed in their finest and scariest Halloween costumes.
FRIGHT MANOR
Since 1982, one of the best and scariest haunted houses in Indiana. Creepy and scary with things that go bump in the night. The manor at 350 Anniston Drive features three haunts. Proceeds support the Southport Little League. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25-26, 7:30 p.m. to midnight, $22; Oct. 23, 24, 27, 30 and 31, 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., $20. Info: frightmanor.com.
SPOOKY DANCE PARTIES
Children of all ages with an accompanying adult can listen, move, jump and dance to Halloween music with Miss Kasey at the Indianapolis Public Library’s Franklin Road Branch, 5550 S. Franklin Road. The parties are Tuesday, Oct. 29, 1:15 p.m., and Wednesday, Oct. 30, 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Scarves and rhythm instruments will be provided. Info: call 317-275-4380.
BEECH GROVE HALLOWEEN PARTY
The Beech Grove Lions Club is sponsoring a community-wide Halloween party, Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 5:30 p.m., at the Hornet Park Community Center, 5245 Hornet Ave. A free community dinner will be served. The party features a costume contest, music by Big Daddy Jay, games and treats. Info: call, 317-788-4986.
EDGEWOOD TRUNK OR TREAT
Edgewood Methodist Church will be the site for Halloween fun for children and adults with Trunk or Treat, Thursday, Oct. 31, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the church parking lot, 1820 E. Epler Ave. Dressed in costume, many members of the church will be handing out Halloween treats to kids in costumes during this family-friendly event. Info: 317-784-6086.
SCARE IN THE SQUARE
Participating businesses in Fountain Square are sponsoring Scare in the Square, Thursday, Oct. 31, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Youngsters in costume with adults are urged to pick up a map and treats in the plaza on Shelby Street and Virginia Ave. and then follow the Trick-or-Treat Trail to participating Fountain Square merchants. This event is kid and family friendly. Info:www.DiscoverFountainSquare.com.
FRITELODGE
FriteLodge is a family-friendly, nonprofit haunt operated by volunteers. Proceeds from FriteLodge stay with various Franklin Township communities. This haunted house is packed with scares for all who enter. FriteLodge is housed in the Masonic Lodge in Acton and features a 1941 hearse. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 26, 7 p.m. to midnight. Admission $12. Info: fritelodge.com.
HALLOWEEN ON MAIN STREET
The Elton Geshwiler Senior Center in Beech Grove is the site of the annual Halloween party Thursday, Oct. 31, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with treats, door prizes and a not-so-scary scary animal show by Silly Safari and Animal John. The center is at 602 Main Street. Info; call 317-787-4987.
VINEYARD’S NOT SO SCARY HALLOWEEN
The Vineyard Community Church of Greenwood, 512 S. Madison Ave., is hosting its Not So Scary Halloween party, Thursday, Halloween night, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Activities include Trunk or Treat, bounce houses, food, candy, games and more.