Lots of fun and a few frights this Halloween
by Michael Murphy

Whether you’re in Anthem or Desert Hills or Moon Valley or Tramonto, there’s plenty to do this year to make Halloween fun with a few frights. With Oct. 31 approaching faster than the Great Pumpkin’s rise on the horizon, it’s time to make plans for some different Halloween festivities.

For instance, go pumpkin bowling or visit the haunted duck pond at Desert Mountain School’s PTO sponsored "Boo Bash." Or dress up Fido and enter a dog costume competition at the Cave Creek Marketplace to benefit the Maricopa County pound. How about something creepy and crawly but not too spooky? Cave Creek Regional Park manager Bill "Dob" Talboy will give kids in grades 3-7 a peek into the world of bats at the North Valley Regional Library in Anthem. Here’s a look at things to do for kids of all ages in the North Valley: Desert Mountain’s annual Boo Bash: October 20, 6-9 p.m. The Boo Bash offers carnival games, a haunted hospital, werewolf maze, and a fear factory. This event, a fundraiser for the school’s PTO, is one of the most popular Halloween events in the area. Last year, more than 1,000 people attended.

Besides pumpkin bowling, you can try your hand at pumpkin carving, various games, and face painting. Entry is free. The school is located at 35959 N. 7th Avenue, Desert Hills.

Diva Dogs Halloween Bash: Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dog costume contest and acupuncturist informational segment (for dogs). Bring a new or slightly used clean blanket for one raffle ticket to win a dog necklace. Look for canines dressed up as everything from maids to cheerleaders. "It’s going to be a lot of fun," said Luann Van Gundy, Diva Dogs owner. The free event will take place at Cave Creek Marketplace, 20235 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. Call (602) 788-1576 for information.

Scary Storytelling with Martín Rivera: Oct. 26, 7 p.m. Listen to scary stories at this free gathering. Costumes are optional. The reading will be held at North Valley Regional Library, 40410 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway in Phoenix. For information, call (602) 652-3000 or visit www.mcldaz.org. Malloween: Oct. 31, 6-9 p.m.

Trick-or-treat at Paradise Valley Mall stores. The free fun takes place at Paradise Valley Mall, 4568 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix. For information, call (602) 996-8840 or visit www.theparadisevalleymall.com. Boo Fest ‘06: Oct. 28, 5:30-8:30 p.m. This free event features hayrides, costume contest, pumpkin patch, carnival games, inflatables, live entertainment and food vendors.

Boo Fest will be held at Paseo Highlands Park, 3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Phoenix. Call (602) 262-6575 for information.

Pumpkin Patch: Oct. 22, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Open to Anthem residents only at Anthem Community Park, 3500 W. Anthem Way. Admission is $5. Call (623) 879-3000 for more information

Bat Chat: Oct. 23, 4 p.m. Kids in Grades 3-7 learn about bats with Bill "Dob" Talboys, Cave Creek Regional Park manager. ‘All About Bats’ is free and takes place at North Valley Regional Regional Library, 40410 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem. For information, call (602) 652-3000.

Halloween Sweets, Treats and Spooks: Oct. 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids make Halloween treats such as caramel apples and ghostly cookies at The Epicurean Palette. The event costs $25. Halloween party and parade: Oct. 31, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This free event takes place at The Epicurean Palette, 6137 E. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek. For more information on either of these events, call (480) 488-4955 or visit www.epicureanpalette.net.(602) 652-3000

Costume party and parade, Oct. 31, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., The Epicurean Palette, 6137 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. FREE (480) 488-4955 Kids make Halloween treats such as caramel apples and ghostly cookies. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Epicurean Palette, 6137 E. Cave Creek Rod, $25 fee. (480) 488-4955

Kids in Grades 3-7 learn about bats with Bill "Dob" Talboys, Cave Creek Regional Park manager. Monday, 4 p.m. North Valley Regional Regional Library, 40410 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem . FREE. (602) 652-3000