North Valley celebrates Halloween

STAFF REPORT ~ 10/5/2011

From places to take the kids trick or treating, to crazy adult themed costume parties the North Valley has it covered for the Halloween season. Listed below are a variety of the events taking place in Anthem, Cave Creek, Carefree, Phoenix, Scottsdale, New River, Tramonto and Black Canyon City.

CAVE CREEK
Cave Creek Wicked is set for 11 a .m. – 4 p.m. Oct. 29 with fun for families, couples and singles. During the daytime portion of the event there will be community-wide trick or treating, a haunted maze, a horse costume contest, pet costume contest, kid costume contest, Thriller dancers, a beer making/tasting competition, a super salsa station a chili cook-off, pumpkin pie eating contests, petting zoos, theatrical performances, food and beverages along with other activities.
The evening festivities begin at 7:15 and run through 1:30 a.m. with complimentary transportation through town as participants go to the town’s saloons for costume contests, specialty themed cocktails and prizes. The tour starts at Big Earl’s Greasy Eats at 7:15 p.m., moves onto Smokehouse Grill, continues at Buffalo Chip and then Harold’s Corral before finishing at the Hideaway.
For information on the event call 602-400-3330.

ANTHEM
Anthem Community Center hosts haunted house
Halloween Haunt will go from 8 p.m. – midnight, on Oct. 29 at the Anthem Community Center. Anthem’s official haunted house will see the multipurpose room transformed into a haunted house catered for ages 13 years and up. Last year’s haunted house featured rooms such as an autopsy room, electric chair room and a fog-filled graveyard. Parents may bring their younger children, however, discretion is advised.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Center’s front desk. Volunteers ages 16 years or older are needed to help set-up, decorate and perform, and sponsors and donations are being sought. Contact Jennifer Bowen at 623-879-3016 or jbowen@anthemcouncil.com for information.

Anthem businesses host trick or treat event
Trick or Treat for an Anthem Sweet is a free event, set for 4 – 6 p.m. Oct. 30, where families will have the chance to trick-or-treat from store-to-store while businesses have the opportunity to promote their business to the public.
Participating businesses may come up with a Halloween theme, activity, entertainment, raffles, decorations, and candy options (full size candy bars, Peeps, Raisinets, healthy snacks, etc.) to attract the public and make Anthem’s first trick-or-treat event a success. All participating businesses will receive an official trick-or-treat window decal and event flyers to provide to customers. The event will be promoted through advertising, posters, local publications, social media, OnlineAtAnthem.com, email blasts and event banners.
Businesses interested in participating must commit no later than Oct. 14 by calling 623-742-6065 or by email at jsolomon@anthemcouncil.com.

NEW RIVER
Jackass Acres K-9 Korral Dog Park is celebrating both Halloween and its 6th birthday with a party from 1 – 3 p.m. Oct. 30 at their New River location.
The day’s events will include contest prize winners for scariest big and little dog, most original big and little dog and best owner/dog partner. Photos will be taken. Food, snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.
At 2 p.m. a helicopter drop for prizes will take place. Dogducks can be purchased for $5 each or 3 for $10. The dogduck dropped from the helicopter that lands closet to the target will win a prize.
For information got anthempets.com or call 480-287-3542.

PHOENIX
Pioneer Living History Museum has expanded its Haunted History from one night for last year’s debut to a three-day event this year as ghost stories and adventure based on actual events from Arizona and Southwest lore will be told from 6 – 8 p.m. Oct. 28 – 30.
At 6 p.m. a celebrated gambler from Arizona’s past will greet and introduce guests to a ghoul guide. For the next 90 minutes attendees will enter the Pioneer Twilight Zone. Ghoul guides will lead the way to each of Pioneer’s historic buildings where historians will relate stories about their past, including stories of Southwest disasters, murders, hangings and lost loves.
Cost for the event is $11. The event is recommended for ages 8 and above. For information or to purchase tickets call 623-465-1052. Pioneer Living History Museum is located west of I-17 at exit 225, just north of Carefree Highway.

SCOTTSDALE
El Pedregal celebrates Day of the Dead
El Pedregal Shops and Dining is celebrating Dia De Los Muertos from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Oct. 29 and from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Oct. 30 with a variety of events including entertainers in vibrant pageantry on the courtyard stage, food and drink and local artists displaying their work. Music performances will include The Armenta Mariachi Quartet from 1 – 4 p.m. on Oct. 29 and the Urban Quartet from 1 – 4 p.m. on Oct. 30.
For information on the free event call 480-488-1072 or go to elpedregal.com.