Countdown to Halloween begins

This weekend already offers a host of related events in the region

Halloween fun starts early, as local communities have a variety of activities planned this weekend.

-- The Dickinson County 4-H Council will host a Trunk or Treat from noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Fairgrounds in Norway. The event will coincide with the Haunted Barn's family-friendly event at the same time.

Anyone wishing to take part in the trunk or treat can contact Kim Wright at 906-563-5382. She will also give set up times as well.

The Haunted Barn will also be open with no live prop from noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday and again Oct. 28-29. Fright night takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, and Oct. 27-28.

Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for students for the Haunted Barn, which includes hayride, outdoor maze, photo area and bonfire.

-- First Covenant Church in Iron Mountain will host Pumpkinfest on Saturday. The family event will be 1 to 3 p.m. and include trunk or treating, pumpkin painting, games and snacks. The church is at 125 E. H St.

-- Swanson's Big Red Barn in Niagara, Wis., has opened for its annual Pumpkin Fest. The public is invited from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Saturday, Oct. 28, to enjoy games, pumpkin patch, kids' rides, corn maze, jumping pillow and pedal cars. They also have a food, bakery and coffee shop. The barn is at 7484 Valerio Road in Niagara.

-- Area residents have been summoned to the annual the annual Halloween Lightshow and Haunted House at 5003 U.S. 2 in Florence this weekend. The show runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and again Thursday through Monday, Oct. 31. Vehicles can tune to 95.5 FM for music to the light show as they drive through the display.

-- Enter at your own risk as Loud Acres Farm presents its Field of Screams and Haunted Farm from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the farm at 178 Fisher Road in Crystal Falls. They will also have variety of food vendors and fire pits for warming. The last event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28.

Halloween Costume Day is set for noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the farm. Everyone in costume will receive a treat from all the vendors. Prizes will be awarded for best adult and children costumes in different categories. Kids will also be able to enjoy the corn maze, scavenger hunt, games, petting zoo and a giant sand pit area, with a special play area for toddlers. They will also offer a roughly 20- to 25-minute hayride through the property. Food will be available during Sunday's event. Admission is $12 cash only per person, with children age 3 and younger allowed in for free.

-- The West Iron District Library in Iron River will host 10 Little Pumpkins Scavenger Hunt from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Children ages 10 and younger can search for the 10 hidden pumpkins and win a goody bag.

-- Grab a flashlight and head to the DeYoung Family Zoo in Wallace for an evening safari Saturday. The guided flashlight tours of the park are set for 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to come in Halloween costume to receive a trick or treat bag. Wagons for young children are allowed. Tickets are $15 per person. Gates open at 5 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 7:30 p.m.

-- Northwoods Sports Recreations and Community Center of Pembine, Wis., has planned a Halloween Carnival starting at 5 p.m. Thursday at the center, N17112 U.S. 141. Admission is $3 per child, with ages 2 and younger getting in free and a $10 maximum per family. Adults are also free. Entrance fee provides to bounce houses, games and all prizes and Halloween treats for entire time of the event. A child and adult costume contest will take place with prizes for the winners. Anyone can sign up -- this will include name and age of participant. Costumes will be judged throughout the event and the winners announced at 7 p.m. Other food items will be available for purchase through concessions.