Local park holding early Halloween celebrations
CHAMPION — With the cooler weather upon us and some leaves already changing, that means Halloween isn’t too far in the future now.
One local campground is kicking off the season with their annual Harvest Festival.
This is Van Riper State Park’s first weekend of spook-tacular activities that will continue for a couple weeks to come. From a Monster Mash to wagon rides and even trick-or-treating on a haunted hike, there will be a variety of events to get you in the spirit of fall. Boo-bread will be made around a campfire tonight at the park.
Participants can also start decorating their camping site to compete for the spookiest camper. Although it’s not quite October yet, Van Riper likes to get a head start on the celebrations.
“It’s early enough, everyone does Halloween stuff in October at other parks so we’re ahead of the game. We always fill-up, it’s super busy, and it’s a nice break. Everyone is back at school but it gives them something to do on weekends still,” said Van Riper State Park Lead Ranger, Debra Gill.
This is just the first of three chances to attend the Harvest Festival at Van Riper State park. The annual festival is open to campers of all ages.