Halloween in Lincoln County

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A "ghost box" for the Pumpkins in the Park event at Kershaw-Ryan State Park. A full array of spooky decor will be on display throughout Lincoln County this Halloween weekend. Photo by Gina Smith.

By Gina Smith and Ben Rowley
October 27, 2011?

As the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. This rings true in regards to Halloween in Lincoln County.

Traditions include remembering going to stout community members’ homes for trick-or-treating. In the north end of the county, a favorite has been the Edwards house, where donuts have been known to be served. And Doctor Dills was known for the best goodies in years past. In Pahranagat Valley, many recall homes that served full-sized candy bars, homemade glazed doughnuts, popcorn balls, Otter Pops, and cream soda. Additionally, the children who were savvy enough to hit the lonely homes, such as the ones in Hiko, would be rewarded with large handfuls of candy.

Many on both sides of the county remember literally going to every house in town to collect treats, being out as late as 9 p.m. and parents feeling comfortable that the children could go and have a fun, safe time.

This year, traditions continue as Pioche, Panaca and Caliente Elementary School carnivals will take place. Each will hold their carnivals on Monday afternoon. Panaca Elementary’s carnival starts at 2, Pioche’s at 4, and Caliente’s at 4:30, and all are featuring delicious treats and enjoyable activities. Both Pioche and Panaca Carnivals are put on by Parent Teacher Group, while Caliente’s will be put on by the Parent Teacher Organization.

In Caliente, volunteers are still needed. If would like to help, call Analisa Jackson for details. Parent Teacher Organization President Amber Brunjes commented on this years event. ?Analisa, who is in charge of the event this year, has worked very hard and added new features. We are looking forward in this years being the best carnival ever!?

The same could be said for Pioche’s and Panaca’s carnivals as well, with much hard work and preparation occurring to make the events memorable for their communities.

In Alamo, Pahranagat Valley High School is putting on its traditional carnival on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in the high school multi-purpose room. Games and food will abound, and carnival tickets cost 25 cents. The hallway and classrooms will be morphed into a haunted house. The entire event is run by the whole student body, with the seniors taking charge of the haunted house. The students take great pride in putting on a fantastic Halloween and especially love outdoing the haunted house from the year before.

Children enjoying some pumpkin painting at last year's Pumpkins in the Park event at Kershaw-Ryan State Park. Photo by Jonathan Brunjes.

The second annual Pumpkins in the Park at Kershaw-Ryan State Park is also taking place on Friday at 5 p.m. Organized by Nevada State Parks, events will include kids face painting, ghost stories, pumpkin carving, a costume contest, and a haunted hike as the main event. This hike weaves around the rattlesnake canyon trail inside the park. The Lincoln County High School Drama Club will be helping with special effects and running the hike. Hot dog, chips and drinks will also be served. Park Supervisor Jonathan Brunjes and Kershaw?s staff expressed their excitement about the event and it being even bigger and better than last year.