Halloween festivities began last weekend at the John Day Elks Lodge's annual Halloween party. Many came in costume for dinner and dancing. Prizes were awarded for best costumed couples and individuals. The Eagle/HEATHER SHEEDY

JOHN DAY – Preparations are under way for the Community Halloween Fun Night to be held at the John Day Elks Lodge on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 30-31.

Once again the Terror Maze will thrill and chill those brave enough to enter the darkened hall. This year, the festivities will be separated into two age groups. Thursday night’s activities and light-hearted carnival with many games and prizes will cater to youth ages infant to 11 years 6-9 p.m., while Friday night 6-10 p.m. will focus on a dance, games, contests and prizes for the older group, ages 12-18. Costumed trick-and-treaters and their parents are invited.

Free pizza and refreshments will be served both nights. Admission will be $1 or a can of food that will go to the Grant County Food Bank in preparation for holiday food baskets.

To volunteer to help, contact Chris and Lindy Maynard at (541) 932-4520, days or Robin Delano at (541) 575-2750, evenings.

To help in the kitchen, call pizza chef Marvin Rynearson at (541) 820-4378 or the Elks Lodge at (541) 575-9937.

Donations can be made to Fun Night in care of John Day Elks Lodge No. 1824, P.O. Box 747, John Day, OR 97845.

Dayville School hosts Halloween Carnival

DAYVILLE – The Dayville Community Hall will be transformed into a Halloween Carnival 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, providing games with prizes, a haunted house and refreshments. The event is sponsored by the school and student body and is part of the Red Ribbon Program, which is focused on drug- and alcohol-free activities.

For more information, call Lori Smith at Dayville School, (541) 987-2412.

Dare to seek out the DARE trailer at Monument on Halloween

JOHN DAY – The John Day Elks Lodge announced that the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) trailer will be in Monument this year on Oct. 31, Halloween night, from 5-8 p.m. It will be manned by Oregon State Police Detective Mike Durr, who also works with the Elks Drug Education Committee. Durr will hand out glo-sticks, treats and toys.

The DARE trailer, owned by three Elks lodges, John Day, Ontario and Bend, travels to various community events and fairs throughout eastern and central Oregon and shares information with youth.

Senior care centers plan Halloween/harvest activities

GRANT COUNTY – Area senior care centers look forward to seeing children dressed in costume for Halloween. Canyon Creek Guest Home is inviting family, friends and costumed youngsters (and oldsters, if you please) to its Halloween party at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. Refreshments will be served.

Treats and games are in store for residents and visitors of Blue Mountain Nursing Home beginning at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. Refreshments will be served and adults and youngsters are encouraged to dress for the occasion.

Likewise, Valley View Assisted Living Residence in John Day will open its doors on Halloween Friday Oct. 31, for trick or treating from 6-8 p.m. Warm drinks and treats will be plentiful.