Halloween is here, and families across Chattooga County have plenty of opportunities to celebrate today, with activities scheduled in Summerville, Trion, Lyerly and at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park.

With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, local organizations have planned a full day of trick-or-treating, costume contests, hayrides and other family-friendly activities.

Summerville

Summerville Main Street and the Summerville Optimist Club will host the annual Halloween Walk and Pumpkin Palooza in downtown Summerville.

Pumpkin Palooza will take place from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. around the historic Summerville Depot, featuring food and craft vendors.

The annual Halloween Walk will run from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. along the East Washington Street Streetscape, giving children an opportunity to collect candy while showing off their Halloween costumes.

A costume contest will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Open Air Stage.

Sloppy Floyd State Park

The Friends of Sloppy Floyd will host the final Halloween Hayrides of the season today from 1 until 4 p.m.

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 unless visitors have an annual Georgia State Parks ParkPass. A free shuttle will transport visitors from the park entrance to the hayride area.

The hayrides will be canceled if it rains.

The park is also offering a Spooky Sunset Paddle and Costume Contest from 6 until 8 p.m. Registration is required, with a cost of $20 per person using a rental kayak or $10 for those bringing their own kayak. Participants should meet at the park office by 6 p.m.

Trion

The Town of Trion will hold its annual Halloween Walk this evening, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The event is a longstanding community tradition, bringing families together for an evening of Halloween fun and trick-or-treating.

Lyerly

The Lyerly Fire Department will host a Trunk or Treat and Movie Night at Lyerly Park.

Trunk or Treat activities will run from 5 until 7 p.m., with free hot dogs available for families attending.

A free outdoor movie will begin at 7:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs, and concessions will be available for purchase.

Additional Halloween Activities

North Georgia Truckfest 2.0 is also scheduled today from noon until 5 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center on Middle School Road.

The event will include Halloween and children’s activities such as face painting, arts and crafts, a cake walk and hayrides, along with truck competitions. General admission is $20, with children younger than 8 admitted free.

Proceeds are intended to help families with Thanksgiving meals and holiday bills.

Halloween Safety And Weather

Families heading out tonight should keep an eye on the weather, particularly for outdoor activities. Rain could affect some evening celebrations.

Parents are encouraged to accompany younger children, carry flashlights or reflective items and remind children to use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible.

Motorists should be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and near community events, where children may be crossing streets throughout the evening.

With celebrations planned from late morning through tonight, Chattooga County families have several opportunities to enjoy Halloween close to home.