Several activities set for Halloween weekend in Advance

Madeline DeJournett photo This year, Halloween decorations in Advance would seem to be few and far between. This display on Tropf Street is one of the few really impressive decorations in this year of recession.

The Halloween weekend looks to be a busy one in Advance, with several choices for folks who want to get out and enjoy the fall weather.

On Friday, Oct. 30, the Methodist Women's Bazaar starts on Whitwell Street behind the old gym. The ladies will be putting on the soup about 3 p.m. and setting out baked goods, crafts, "gently-used" items donated by church members, candles, glassware, jewelry, and lots of other miscellaneous items. The bazaar continues from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Halloween day. Shoppers can enter the church by the side door on Whitwell Street. The sale is in the basement. The money raised will be used to help pay for the repair which is being done to the front steps and basement.

Just across the old high school lot, the ladies of the Advance Community Library will also be busy with a book, apple butter, apple jelly, and assorted junque sale. The ladies are working to raise the $350 matching funds they need for a $1,400 Libri Foundation grant that the library has qualified for this year. The library is located on Highway C next to the old gym. The ladies plan to have the sale out on the old tennis court pavement, but it will be moved inside in case of rain. This event should open up at 9 a.m. and last until 3 p.m.

For the area trick or treaters, there are some good choices on Halloween Saturday: The Advance Nursing Home will have a costume contest with three age catagories, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Trick or treaters will be welcomed in the dining room from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Bethel General Baptist Church will have their third annual Halloween Celebration for all the children in the community on Saturday afternoon about 3 p.m. outside the church on Highway C six miles west of Advance. The church has had this very popular event in the old VFW building for the last two years, but the building was not available this year. Last year, an estimated 250 children enjoyed the games, costume contests, food and fun.

Chief Donnie Bohnsack will have City Hall open for trick or treaters from 5 - 8 p.m. The chief announces that the Saturday curfew for trick or treating is 9 p.m. Residents who wish to participate should turn on their porch lights to welcome trick or treaters and then turn them off at 9 p.m.

As always, motorists should be especially careful driving in town on Saturday night, as the little ghosts and goblins will be out in full force, searching house to house for goodies. Parents, be sure to check your child's candy.

Have a fun, safe Halloween!