Halloween this year falls on a Thursday and plans are underway already to allow residents to safely enjoy that happening.

The 2024 Fall Festival has been slated for October 31 in downtown Winnfield from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. when Main Street is traditionally lined with booths, tables and pickup trucks from the Methodist Church down to the Political Museum where youngsters can find plenty of Trick or Treat goodies.

A good starting point for activities is always the Costume Contest for all ages, set to begin at 5:30 p.m. (registration at 5 p.m.) at the Louisiana Political Museum.  Six age groups are 0-3 years, 4-7 years, 8-10 years, 11-13 years, 14-17 years and 18 years and up.  There will also be Theme Groups and Pets divisions.

Along the route, downtown Treaters will also find Bounce Houses beside First Baptist Church, free food (hot dogs, chips and drinks) and the Pumpkin Patch located at the First United Methodist Church.

The Pumpkin Decorating Contest will return to the Fall Festival, sponsored by the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Participants will need to use their own pumpkin and supplies for their painted (not carved) pumpkins.  The extended entry time is October 21 through 30.  Deadline for entries is 4 p.m. October 30 at the Sheriff’s Office in the courthouse.

There will also be age groups in the pumpkin completion.  They are 7 years and younger, ages 8-10, ages 1113 and ages 14-18.

And there’s more.  The WPSO will present its first annual (rubber) Duck Hunt.  Watch the Journal for details coming soon.

Those wishing to participate in this family-friendly event are invited to call 318-628-0169.