More surprises, treats this weekend as Whidbey celebrates Halloween

There is no shortage of opportunities for children and teens looking for treats and thrills this weekend.

By Ron Newberry • October 27, 2015 5:40 pm
Volunteers rise out of a box at Fort Casey State Park during the park’s first “Haunted Fort” event Saturday. More than 1
Volunteers rise out of a box at Fort Casey State Park during the park’s first “Haunted Fort” event Saturday. More than 1

Ron Apgar looks forward to Halloween night each year in downtown Oak Harbor.

“For us, we think it’s the most fun thing we do for the kids,” said Apgar, owner of Paint Your World.

“No Tricks, Safe Treats” is an event that draws about 2,000 kids each year to Pioneer Way.

Participating merchants hand out candy at their doors, giving children a safer alternative on Halloween night than wandering neighborhood streets.

The event will take place from 5-7 p.m. Saturday. Prizes will be awarded for best costume.

Island Thrift donated $3,000 toward the purchase of candy for merchants to distribute, Apgar said.

There is no shortage of opportunites for children and teens looking for treats and thrills this weekend.

At least three “Trunk or Treat” events are taking place in Oak Harbor, giving youth a chance to stay in one location to hunt for candy.

Skagit Valley College’s Oak Harbor campus is inviting guests to visit the campus Friday afternoon to trick-or-treat and explore a haunted lounge.

HomePlace Memory Care in Oak Harbor is holding a Halloween party from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Friday for children ages 1-7, which will include a costume contest.

“Nothing makes our residents happier than seeing adorable children in costumes,” said Lindsey Shannon, the center’s office manager.

For thrill seekers of all ages, haunted house events continue Friday and Saturday nights in century-old barns in Oak Harbor and Coupeville.

Frightville XV is taking place at the Roller Barn in Oak Harbor, while a Haunted Barn event is happening in the Terry Barn at Sherman’s Pioneer Farm on Ebey’s Prairie.

The public’s appetite for thrills tipped the scales of expectations at Fort Casey State Park last weekend when more than 1,500 people attended the first “Haunted Fort” event.

“It was way beyond what we expected,” said Jon Crimmins, area manager of Central Whidbey State Parks. “We were very pleased to see how many people showed up.”

Nearly 500 people showed up Friday, and Saturday’s attendance more than doubled that number, causing organizers to scramble for additional sites for parking.

Crimmins said the event, which was a fundraiser to help restore the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, will continue in the future.

“I don’t think we have a choice,” Crimmins said with a laugh. “We’re going to have people in this park one way or another expecting it to happen.”