Battle Ground's annual Halloween Fright Night, hosted by Parks & Recreation, will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, at the Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St. Battle Ground Communications Manager Alisha Smith said the event is free and open to all ages.
“We love being able to see people coming back with their kids generations later to kind of share in that same excitement. It has definitely been one of the long-standing events in Battle Ground, and it's evolved over the years,” Smith said.
Inside the Community Center, Parks & Recreation will host games and offer candy prizes for participants. Spooky-themed activities like coffin bowling, pumpkin golf and a witch hat ring toss will be available for all ages, with candy prizes for both winners and participants.
The Battle Ground Rockery, located just south of the Community Center, has donated 150 bags of assorted Halloween candy to the city for the event. Additionally, the local Albertsons store will provide baked goods for the cake walk, which will also take place during the festivities. Smith emphasized the importance of community involvement in making Halloween spectacular.
“This is one of those events that, to have volunteers, to have people who are sponsoring and donating candy … that's really what makes these events special. It's everybody coming together for the enjoyment of our community, enjoyment for our kids. And we really could not pull off events like this without that support and that interest from our community,” Smith said.
Outside, in the east parking lot of the Community Center, the city will host a trunk-or-treat event from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Residents can decorate their vehicles for Halloween and hand out candy. Smith explained that this tradition allows residents in rural areas, where there may not be many neighbors, to participate in the fun. Those interested in reserving a spot can visit cityofbg.org/FormCenter/Parks-Recreation-14/Contact-Us-Parks-Recreation-136. Spaces are limited, and although participation is free, participants must decorate their vehicles and bring their own candy.
Additionally, C-Tran will park a haunted bus on Main Street, just south of the Community Center. Visitors can walk through the haunted bus and collect candy before exiting.
Smith noted the Community Center hosted over 850 guests last year.
Howl-o-ween Pooch Parade goes virtual
The city’s Howl-o-ween Pooch Parade, another Battle Ground Halloween tradition, will not take place live this year due to a staffing shortage. However, Smith explained that the event will be held virtually, allowing participants to submit photos of their costumed canines. Those interested can email photos to pio.info@cityofbg.org or visit the Pooch Parade webpage at cityofbg.org/933/Howl-o-ween-Pooch-Parade.
“We couldn’t wait a whole year for dogs in costumes. It’s just been such a fun event the last couple of years. We’re hoping this will supplement until we can bring back that live show next year,” Smith said.
Photos, along with the dog’s name and owner’s name, must be submitted by Monday, Oct. 28, to be included in the virtual slideshow. The slideshow will be featured on the City of Battle Ground’s Facebook page.
