SILOAM SPRINGS — In addition to the traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating, which will take place Oct. 31, Siloam Springs residents will have numerous opportunities to celebrate Halloween as several activities are scheduled around town to observe the fall holiday.

On Friday, Main Street Siloam Springs is hosting its annual Trick-or-Treat downtown on Broadway and University streets. Businesses will be handing out candy from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. to kids ages 12 and under dressed in costume.

Main Street Siloam Springs Di-rector Shelley Simmons said more than 3,000 people attend the event annually.

“It’s a popular event,” she said.

A large spectrum of costumes are on display while the large amount of people cash in on the jack pot of candy.

Simmons said it’s fun to see everybody dressed in a wide array of costumes. One of the most unique costumes she said she’s seen was a grown man dressed as a cow with utters sticking out his stomach.

“That was unique,” she said. “But people come as everything and just have a good time.”

Several businesses in the Highland Park Shopping Center will participate intrick-or-treating Friday and welcome costumed kids to come get candy from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Shopping center owner Mark Alexander said because of lack of time and decreased available space, there won’t be a hauntedhouse this year.

On Saturday, the Boys & Girls Club will host its third annual Halloween Fun Night. Admission is one canned food item per person, which will be donated to the Manna Center. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., all ages are invited to participate in a costume contest, coloring contest, trick-or-treating, carnival games and face painting. Free concessions will also be available.

“Our little kids turnout is awesome,” said Kyle Scogin, unit director, adding that more than 80 kids entered the costume contest last year.

When family members are added to the number of kids that participate, Scogin said there’s 200 to 300 people who attend the event.

For the past two years, the club has collected just under 200 pounds of food for the Manna Center, Scogin said.

From 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. teenagers ages 13 and older are invited to hang out at the club, watch a scary movie and enjoy free concessions.

To conclude the weekend, residents can celebrate Halloween with traditional trick-or-treating on the traditional date - Oct. 31.

News, Pages 1 on 10/27/2010