Families looking for a safe place to collect candy will have plenty of trunk or treat options in Ripley and Walnut this Halloween weekend. Churches across the area are hosting events, and a car show with a costume contest takes over downtown Ripley on Saturday, Oct. 31.
Here is a guide to what is planned from Friday, Oct. 30, through Halloween night, as reported by the Southern Sentinel.
Church Trunk or Treat Events
Several churches and ministries in the Walnut and Ripley area plan to host trunk or treats later this week. They include:
Macedonia Deen Town Baptist
Mt. Olive Baptist
Blue Springs Baptist
Walnut Baptist
Empowered by Love Ministries
North Ripley Baptist
Ripley Church of Christ
Times vary by church, and some plans may change with the weather. Families should check with each church or its social media page for the exact start time and location before heading out.
Cars for Kids Great Pumpkin Run in Downtown Ripley
The Cars for Kids Great Pumpkin Run is set for Saturday, Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Ripley. Awards will go to the best-decorated trunk, so expect plenty of creative Halloween displays. A costume contest begins at 12:30 p.m. It is a chance to see decorated cars and creative costumes downtown before trick-or-treating starts that evening.
Sweet Treats on Main in Walnut
Walnut’s Halloween night celebration, Sweet Treats on Main, starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, on Main Street. Local businesses, churches and organizations will set up tables and pass out candy. Groups that still want to take part can contact the Town of Walnut office to reserve a spot.
Spirit of Ripley Kicks Off the Weekend
The weekend starts Friday, Oct. 30, with the Spirit of Ripley Festival and Chili Cookoff in downtown Ripley at 5:30 p.m. The festival includes a children’s costume contest, a pet costume contest, mechanical bull riding, face painting and bounce houses. A Ripley High School pep rally is set for 7:30 p.m.
Halloween Safety Tips for Families
Add reflective tape or glow sticks to costumes, and carry a flashlight after dark.
Watch for slow-moving cars at trunk or treat events held in parking lots.
Check candy before children eat it, and toss anything unwrapped.
Drivers should slow down in neighborhoods and around downtown Ripley and Walnut on Saturday evening.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
