There are several events around the Plateau for families and children of all ages to celebrate the Halloween holidays.
Below is a full list of the different events going on in Highlands and the surrounding areas.
Highlands:
Mr. Pickle’s Howl-o-Ween Party at The Park on Main Hotel from 6 – 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30; Pumpkin Painting at The Ugly Dog Pub from 5 – 6 p.m.
On Sunday, Oct. 31 there will be Trick or Treating on Main Street with High Five Band and hot dogs from 6 – 8 p.m., and an Adult Costume Contest at The High Dive at 10 p.m.
Highlands Biological Foundation is hosting a free Ghostly Garden walk through the Botanical Garden from Oct. 29 – 31. The garden will feature decorations made by community members during the 2020 Halloween season, as well. Costumes are encouraged.
Scaly Mountain:
The Scaly Mountain Outdoors Center is hosting a Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 30.
Snow tubing will be open from 10 a.m., to 8 p.m., and the Trunk or Treat will be from 5 – 8 p.m. The Trunk or Treat is free, but snow tubing, the mountain coaster, trout fishing and other activities will be normal pricing.
Jon Wan and The Smart Phone Band will be playing live music in the Café from 6 – 8 p.m.
Franklin:
Little Rascals Haunted Attractions:
In Franklin, ‘Little Rascals Haunted Attractions’ 7-10 p.m., both Friday and Saturday. Activities are $5 each. Expect Pony Rides for the kids and ‘Haunted Fields’ for teens and adults. The attractions are located at 365 Haughton Williams Road, Franklin.
Halloween at the Park:
Macon County Parks and Recreation will present Halloween at the Park on Tuesday, Nov. 2.
The festivities kick off at Parker Meadows at 5:30 and last until 8:30. Over 30 local businesses, churches and civic organizations will attend the event to give candy to trick-or-treaters. The main entrance to the park will be closed, so attendees are asked to use the second entrance. In the event of rain, the event will be moved to Tuesday, Nov. 2 at the same time.
Recreation Director Seth Adams said this year’s event is shaping up to be a very successful one,, and he thinks it will be fun for the whole family. Forecasts are calling for clear skies that evening.
“The first year we had Halloween in the Park, we had 50 groups who signed up, and that was almost too many when we were out at the recreation park,” Adams said. “Thirty is a good number.”
For more information, call Macon County Parks and Recreation at 828-349-2090.
Monster Mash on Main:
The Franklin downtown merchants will host Monster Mash on Main beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30 with trick-or-treating, music and lots of folks dressed in Halloween costumes. For children with food allergies there will be a Teal Pumpkin for non-food trinkets and treats at 3 p.m.
Hello Holly Springs Festival:
The Holly Springs Community Development Club will present a “Hello Holly Springs Fall Festival” and live concert on Saturday, Oct. 30, noon to 3 p.m. at the community center, 2720 Cat Creek Rd. The event will include a Treasure Chest hunt, face painting, candy for the kids and a visit from Sweet Caroline’s Mobile Ice Cream Shoppe from 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. Hot dogs and baked goods will be for sale. Nashville-based singer songwriter Steff Mahan will perform. Free.
“Downtown” Otto Trunk or Treat:
Trunk or Treat will be held on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 6-9 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church. Otto Community Development, several churches and businesses will be participating. Park at Otto Community Center or Old School Knife Works. Otto Fire and Rescue will also host trick or treating at the fire station, 60 Firehouse Road, beginning at 6 p.m.
Bidwell Street Trick or Treating:
Bidwell Street may be the most popular street in town for trick-or-treaters as residents go all out with their decorations to create a fun time for children (and adults). Trick-or-treating will be Sunday, Oct. 31. The street will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 5 p.m. as a safety precaution.
Cashiers:
The Ugly Dog Pub in Cashiers is throwing a “Howl-o-Ween” party on Oct. 29 at 8 p.m., and donations will benefit the Humane Society. There will be prizes for the best/most creative costume.
Village Green is having a Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 30 from 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Clayton:
At 6 p.m. down in Clayton, enjoy “A Nightmare on Savannah Street,” a Halloween celebration at Daddo’s Shenanigans. The First Annual Costume Party will begin at 6 p.m., until 11 p.m., with free admission, a DJ, prize for best costume and a free drink for customers over 21 for being in costume.
Dillsboro:
In Dillsboro at Monteith Park from 5 – 7 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 30, it’s a ‘Walk Through Trick or Treating Event.’
- By Christopher Smith