Dab on the fake blood, illuminate the carved pumpkins, and gather up your little ones for a Halloween extravaganza.
Since the holiday falls on a Sunday this year, the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce is encouraging trick or treaters to visit Eastsound businesses between 3 and 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31.
“Those businesses that are normally open on Sunday – as well as some who are not – will be open during those hours,” said Lance Evans, director of the chamber. “The chamber supported having it on Sunday so it’s not being celebrated two days in a row. It alleviates parents having to dress their kids up twice … and some shop owners have been busy on Saturday, so it allows them to focus on sales that day and on Halloween the following day.”
The bustling village of Eastsound has traditionally been a hot spot for tiny ghosts, goblins, and gators hoping to fill a bag of treats.
“There is such density of potential visits, it’s an important location for trick or treaters,” Evans said.
Another favorite of island children are the OPAL neighborhoods. Bonnie Brae and Wild Rose Meadow will be open for trick or treating on Oct. 31.
Dodgeball at the school
All are invited to the second annual Halloween dodgeball event on Wednesday, Oct. 27 sponsored by the Orcas High School Environmental Club. Come to the high school gym from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. with two dollars. Costumes are encouraged.
Pumpkin carving, Labyrinth walk
Emmanuel Church is offering two Halloween events. On Friday, Oct. 29, come carve pumpkins from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. On Sunday, Oct. 31, there will be a “Halloween-All Souls-Day of the Dead” Labyrinth Walk. All ages, including costumed children, are welcome from 3 to 5 p.m.
Headless Head regatta
Rowers of any age are welcome to row in the Headless Head regatta. Boats will be launched at 10 a.m. and racing will start at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 30 at Cascade Lake.
Trick or treat for books
Kids and parents are invited to stop by the meeting room at the Orcas Island Public Library for a chance to show off their Halloween costumes and trick or treat for a book on Oct. 31 from 3 to 5 p.m. Come in and pick out a book and have your picture taken. For more information, call Nita Couchman, Children’s Librarian, at 376-4985.
Haunted Alley
Stop by the Halloween “Haunted Alley” at Moon Glow Arts and Crafts on Oct. 31 from 3 to 7 p.m.
Pet photos at Pawki’s
Bring your pets, in costume or in their birthday suits, by Pawki’s from 2 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 31 for a free pet portrait. There will be a photo booth and photographer. The photos will go up on Pawki’s website for you to choose from and print. Enjoy treats for pets and people.
Halloween dance
The Oddfellows Hall is hosting its annual Halloween Dance Party on Oct. 31, starting at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10. The 11-piece band Tiempo de Lopez will perform and DJ Bruce Pavitt will spin tunes.
A free showing of “Bride of Frankenstein” will be shown at 7 p.m. There will be prizes for the best costumes and the Salvadoran Cafe will be serving lunch and dinner.
