Washington area events

Choctoberfest

Washington County Hospitals and Clinics and Washington Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Chocotoberfest Thursday, Oct. 16 from 3-7 p.m. in Downtown Washington. This event, which is open to anyone high school age or older, features delicious treats courtesy of local businesses as guests shop locally.

This year, funds raised will go to support a new VIPINK Care Fund. Additionally, the WCH Foundation will match every dollar raised.

Tickets for either $10 or $30 are available for purchase by calling or stopping in at the Washington Chamber of Commerce or visiting https://givebutter.com/VIPinkChoctoberfest25

Jigsaw Jam

Come out to the Washington County Fairgrounds Friday, Oct. 17 from 6:30-9 p.m. for an evening of puzzles and friends for a Hospice of Washington County fundraiser.

Teams of 4-6 players can register for $125 dollars. They will then complete the provided 500-piece puzzle and devour the provided pizza. Teams should bring 72 ounces total of beer or soda that must also be completed during the Jigsaw Jam.

Further information about sabotaging other teams will be available upon registration. The fastest or maybe the just the smartest two teams will be crowned winners.

Bingo for Boxing

Show up for 10 games of BINGO at the YMCA of Washington’s Community Room on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m.-noon and help raise funds to support the Rock Steady Boxing Class created for those with Parkinson's’s as well as their caregivers.

Each game will be played with three cards per player paying $30 to participate. Prizes will include baked goods, gift cards and cash prizes for winners of the last three games.

This event is open to all ages. Beverages and light brunch foods will be provided.

PLANT Harvest Party

Saturday, Oct. 18 from 1-4 p.m. PLANT Washington Community Gardens will celebrate the end of its first year with a Harvest Party at 803 S. Avenue D, Washington.

The party will showcase highlights of the first season through tours, talks, contests and crafts. Additionally, organizers hope those attending will find community through meaningful and engaging activities centered in the garden.

Thanks to the sponsorship of Big Grove, this event is low-cost/free for all.

Street Hockey with Iowa Heartlanders

The Iowa Heartlanders hockey team is coming to Kalona to play street hockey with the community on Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 4-6 p.m. in Downtown Kalona.

Community Candidate Forum

Washington Chamber of Commerce will hold a candidate forum Wednesday, Oct. 22 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Washington Public Library in the Nicola-Stoufer Room.

The forum will include contested candidates answering prepared questions and those form the community. Uncontested candidates for the Washington Nov. 4 election will have an opportunity to introduce themselves at the beginning of the event, as well.

Contested candidates in attendance will include Fran Stigers and Susan Carroll, running for City Council Ward 4, and Elaine Moore, Steve Howard, and Doug Hoyle, running for City Council At Large.

Looking ahead to area Halloween events

Lake Darling Trick or Treat Night

Friends of Lake Darling invite anyone and everyone to the Lake Darling Campground Saturday, Oct. 18 from 4-6 p.m. for a night of spooky fun, silly costumes, and sweet treats.

Campers are encouraged to decorate their campsites and hand out candy as the campground transforms into a festive trick-or-treat walk.

Campers that participate could win “The Wildest” award for a spooky creation or “The Darlingist” award for a sweet, charming and fill of festive fun set up.

Those not already camping at the state park should park just outside the campground and walk in to enjoy the festivities.

Greet and Treat

Visit Main Street in Wayland for Greet and Treat Thursday, Oct. 23 from 5-6:30 p.m. Thanks Wayland and surrounding community businesses this annual event continues to grow and offers a fun Halloween activity for many. Treaters should dress for fall or put on a costume as they get ready for a fun time.

The line to begin Greeting and Treating will start on the west side of city hall at the stop sign n the corner of Jefferson and Main. At this place treaters will collect a goody bag provided by the city before setting out to visit all the participating businesses’ set ups.

Business greeters can simply show up or go all out with tables, vehicle trunk or tailgates or grand displays for this event. Goodies can be business related or simply yummy. Businesses should enter from the east side of Main and Washington streets and can begin setting up anytime after 2 p.m. the day of the event. Call Wayland City Hall to confirm a spot and display location.

The Well’s Halloween Party

Put on your best costume and visit The Well on 8th in Wellman Saturday, Oct. 25 beginning at 8 p.m. for a costume party with prizes for the top three best costumes.

Free Skate

To celebrate Halloween, the Wellman Skating rink will offer free skate from 1:30-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26

Trunk or Treat

Swing by Downtown Wellman Sunday, Oct. 26 for the Wellman Community Club’s Trunk or Treat event from 4-6 p.m.

Jack O Lantern Jaunt

Kalona Historical Village will host a Jack O Lantern Jaunt Thursday, Oct. 30 from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Village. The event will include trick or treating at village buildings sponsored by local businesses, games, crafts, popcorn, and hot dogs.

Trick or Treat Around the Square

Join Main Street Washington and downtown businesses for Trick or Treat Around the Square Friday, Oct. 31 from 5-6 p.m. In addition to nabbing some yummy treats from businesses, Madison Kay Photography will also be in the square offering free photos of all the little ghosts, goblins, and superheroes.

City-Wide Trick or Treat Times

Washington: 6-8 p.m.

Kalona: 5-8 p.m.

Riverside: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Wellman: 5-8 p.m.

Brighton: 5-7 p.m.

Ainsworth: 6-8 p.m.

Victorian View Halloween Ghost Investigation

Have a spooky good time at a public ghost investigation with host investigators from Midwest Shadow Chasers Friday, Oct. 31. There will be a large group meet and greet, small group investigations, and fireside chat to discuss the experience & evidence. General admission is $25 from 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Sleep over options are available for $45-$175 from 7pm-9am at the Victorian View, 320 W. Second Street in Washington! 319-800-8805

Tickets can be purchase at https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/victorian-view/victorian-view-s-halloween-ghost-investigation

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com