Whether they’re spooky or funny, a even a character from a movie or book, in less than two weeks they’ll be invading towns all across the country, including those in Kosciusko County.
They’re trick-or-treaters.
Halloween is on a Monday this year, but the fun starts the Friday beforehand.
Downtown Warsaw from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday is the annual Halloween Spooktacular. Registration for the costume contest is 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., with the contest at 7 p.m. at the Kosciusko County Courthouse square. Categories are infant to 1 year old; 2 to 3 year olds; 4 to 6 year olds; 7 to 9 year olds; 10 to 12 years old; and group entries that can include any ages.
Trick-or-treating at downtown businesses will be from 6 to 7 p.m.
Grace College will offer its annual Fun Fest event from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Gordon Recreation Center, 100 Publishers Drive, Winona Lake. It is free and open to the public.
In North Manchester, the Parks and Recreation Department will host the Great Pumpkin Hunt Oct. 28 at Warvel Park. A magic show begins at 6:30 p.m. at Scout Hall, and at 7 p.m. there will be a costume contest. The pumpkin hunt begins at 7:15 p.m. Children 3-8 are welcome to enjoy the festivities.
Trick-or-treating days and times are, alphabetically:
• Akron, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m., rain or shine.
The firemen’s costume contest is at 5:30 p.m. at the fire station, 204 W. Rochester St.
• Bourbon, Oct. 31, 5 to 7 p.m.
• Claypool, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Etna Green, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Leesburg, Oct. 31, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Mentone, Oct. 31, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Costume contest judging will be at 7:30 p.m. at Mentone Elementary.
• Milford, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.
The fire department will be open and passing out treats.
• North Manchester, Oct. 31, 5 to 8 p.m.
A haunted house will be at the public safety building.
• North Webster, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Pierceton, Oct. 31, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Sidney, Oct. 31, 5 to 7 p.m.
• Silver Lake, Oct. 31, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• Syracuse, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Warsaw, Oct. 31, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Winona Lake, Oct. 31, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
