Halloween arrives in Lakes Region

The Lakes Region has no shortage of Halloween-themed events, but the town of Alton has pulled out all the stops for its Harvest Happenings, sponsored by the Alton Business Association in collaboration several community groups, town departments, and local businesses.

There will be a Pumpkin Lighting & Decorating Contest in front of Town Hall. Participants are asked to drop off their pumpkins between 4 and 6 p.m. Wednesday, or between 4 and 5 p.m. on Thursday. There will be prizes in two categories, Youth and Adult.

The Alton Business Association also is sponsoring a Business Fall Decorating Contest. Snap a photo of your storefront decorations or decorate a scarecrow and display it at Ginny Douglas Park on Main Street. Share with the ABA on social media for a chance to win Best Decorations. An awards ceremony will take place in front of Town Hall.

Trick-or-treating around town will be 5-7 p.m., and Trunk or Treating will take place in the parking lot of Lakeside Dental. School groups and organizations will be handing out candy from 5 to 7 p.m.

Other activities include face-painting and Monster Makeovers at Monument Square, along with free yard games under the direction of the Parks and Recreation Department, with other games provided by Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice. Catchpenny is sponsoring a Wand Decorating Contest at Monument Square, and Gilman Library will offer Spooky Books for checkout (along with candy for Trick-or-Treaters).

In Center Harbor, the Parks and Recreation Department will offer a Treat Gathering from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the fire station.

There will be a Halloween Festival in downtown Plymouth from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Trick-or-Treat Hours (revised)

Alton, Thursday, 5-7 p.m.

Ashland, Thursday, 5-7 p.m.

Barnstead, Thursday, 5-8 p.m.

Belmont, Friday, 4-8 p.m.

Bristol, Thursday, 5-7:30 p.m.

Campton, Thursday, 5-8 p.m.

Center Harbor, Thursday, 5-7 p.m.

Danbury, Thursday, dusk until 8 p.m.

Franklin, Saturday, 1-4 p.m.

Gilford, Thursday, 5-8:30 p.m.

Gilmanton, Thursday, 5-8 p.m.

Groton, Thursday, 5-8 p.m.

Hill, Thursday, 6-8 p.m.

Holderness, Thursday, 5-8 p.m.

Laconia, Thursday, 5-8 p.m.

Meredith, Thursday, 5-7 p.m.

Moultonborough, Saturday, 5-8 p.m.

New Hampton, Thursday, 5-7 p.m.

Northfield, Thursday, 5-8 p.m.

Plymouth, Thursday, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Rumney, Thursday, 5-8 p.m.

Sanbornton, Thursday, 4-8 p.m.

Thornton, Thursday, 5-7 p.m.

Tilton, Thursday, 5-8 p.m.

Wolfeboro, Thursday, 5-7 p.m.