Halloween is just days away, and families across Chattooga County are preparing for a weekend filled with costumes, candy, trick-or-treating, hayrides and community celebrations. With activities planned in Summerville, Trion, Menlo, Lyerly and at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, residents are encouraged to keep safety in mind, especially as the forecast now includes the possibility of rain on Halloween night.

Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, this year, and the National Weather Service says the weather could become unsettled just in time for the holiday.

Saturday’s forecast calls for partly sunny skies with a high near 75 degrees and a 20 percent chance of showers. Rain chances increase to 50 percent Saturday night, with showers and thunderstorms possible. Forecasters say the timing remains uncertain, meaning some Halloween activities could stay dry while others may be affected by rain.

Halloween Activities Across Chattooga County

Several communities have celebrations planned for families and children.

In Summerville, Pumpkin Palooza will take place Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the historic Summerville Depot area, featuring food and craft vendors. The downtown Halloween Walk is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. along the East Washington Street Streetscape, with a costume contest beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Open Air Stage.

Trion’s annual Halloween Walk is scheduled to begin Saturday evening at 5:30.

In Lyerly, the Fire Department will host Trunk or Treat at Lyerly Park Saturday from 5 until 7 p.m. The event will include free hot dogs, followed by an outdoor movie beginning at 7:30 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs, and concessions will be available for purchase.

Menlo will hold its Halloween Walk on Friday, October 30, from 5 until 6:30 p.m. at Menlo Park.

Halloween Hayrides Return To Sloppy Floyd State Park

Families will have one final opportunity to enjoy the annual Halloween Hayrides at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park near Summerville on Saturday, October 31.

The Friends of Sloppy Floyd will host the event from 1 until 4 p.m., offering family-friendly hayrides through the park during the fall season.

Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 5 through 12. Children ages 4 and younger are admitted free.

Visitors can also enjoy free candy, temporary tattoos and popcorn.

A $10 vehicle parking pass is required to enter the state park, although visitors with an annual Georgia State Parks ParkPass will not need to purchase a daily pass.

Visitors should park at the park entrance, where a free shuttle will transport them to the hayride area.

Park officials say the hayrides will be canceled in the event of rain, making Saturday’s weather forecast especially important for families planning to attend.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located off Marble Springs Road near Summerville.

Safety Tips For Trick-Or-Treaters And Drivers

With large numbers of children expected to be walking through neighborhoods and attending community events, parents and motorists are encouraged to take extra precautions.

Parents should make sure young children are accompanied by a responsible adult and that older children travel in groups. Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls, and reflective tape, glow sticks or flashlights can help make children more visible after dark.

Children should use sidewalks whenever possible, cross streets at intersections and avoid walking between parked vehicles.

Motorists are reminded to slow down in residential neighborhoods, watch carefully for children crossing streets and avoid distractions while driving.

Parents should also inspect Halloween candy before allowing children to eat it, particularly checking for damaged packaging and potential choking hazards.

Rain Could Create Additional Hazards

With showers and thunderstorms possible Saturday evening, families should consider bringing rain jackets and shoes with good traction.

Wet leaves, sidewalks and steps can become slippery, especially after dark. Drivers should allow additional stopping distance if roads become wet.

If thunderstorms develop, families should move indoors rather than continuing outdoor activities. Lightning can be dangerous even when heavy rain is not falling.

The National Weather Service says confidence in the exact timing of weekend rainfall remains limited, and the forecast could change as Saturday approaches.

Families attending Halloween celebrations are encouraged to check for weather-related schedule changes and stay informed through local announcements.

WZQZ Radio will continue providing weather updates and information about Halloween activities throughout Chattooga County as the weekend approaches.