Communities plan Halloween activities

RITZVILLE — The Chamber of Commerce made a unanimous decision to move ahead with Fall Fest events, including trick-or-treating.

Local businesses will open their doors to costumed youth from 2-4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.

The chamber will provide a sign for participating businesses to hang in the window.

The chamber will also be promoting a Fall/Halloween Decorating Contest.

It replaces last year's Scarecrow Contest, officials said, and will consist of one award for Best Business and one for Best Residence.

Nominations should be sent to [email protected] by Oct. 23.

The Children's Carnival and Trunk or Treat have been canceled this year, officials said.

Washtucna

In nearby Washtucna, the annual Fire Hall Halloween Party will take place, with participants encouraged to plan for social distancing outside.

The Fire Hall siren will sound at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 - it's the tone used to gather children in the city.

At 6:30 p.m., there will be hot dogs, donuts and games.

All ages of kids and adults are welcome to participate, officials said.

Fire Department volunteers said they can make up plates for those who are more comfortable driving by to pick up treats.

In addition to trick-or-treating in town, Lora Hille plans to offer the town's inaugural Trunk or Treat on Halloween night.

Hille is inviting participants to park their cars on Main Street, using six-feet distancing, opposite the Fire Hall at 5:30 p.m.

"Decorate your trunk, including candy goodies for kids to treat themselves to," Hille said.

In nearby Connell, the community is also gearing up for a night of trick-or-treating on Halloween.