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Marble Falls VFD crew member, from left, Firefighter Bobby Amick, Capt. Thomas Jacobs and Firefighter Justin Park had some fun with props and costumes in preparation of the department’s annual haunted house on Friday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31 at the station, 606 Avenue U. Connie Swinney/The Highlander -
Marble Falls VFD crew member, from left, Firefighter Bobby Amick, Capt. Thomas Jacobs and Firefighter Justin Park sorted through some of the Halloween haunted house decor Oct. 26 in anticipation of the event on Halloween eve and night. Photos by Connie Swinney/The Highlander -
Volunteers will use makeup and scary accessories as part of their costumes at the VFD 4th Annual Haunted House at the fire hall, 606 Avenue U. -
Volunteers will use makeup and scary accessories as part of their costumes at the VFD 4th Annual Haunted House at the fire hall, 606 Avenue U.
A local volunteer fire agency will join two other groups in hosting Halloween festivities for families in the Highland Lakes.
The 4th Annual Haunted House, hosted by Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department, is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at the agency's headquarters, 606 Avenue U.
"There's not been things for families and kids to do, so we've taken the initiative to go ahead and do the haunted house," Capt. Thomas Jacobs of Marble Falls Area VFD said. "We're going to have it set up where everyone can still enjoy it."
The event will be conducted utilizing COVID-19 prevention protocols.
“We’ll be using protocols as far as separating families. Everybody is going to be social distanced,” he said. “When we do hand out candy, we’re going to have people who are going to be wearing gloves.
Coronavirus cancellations prompted the local fire agency to continue the tradition.
“Everything has been shutting down. (Marble Falls) Fire Rescue couldn’t do Pink Out,” Jacobs said. “We’ve got to slowly open back up.”
Instead of asking for monetary donations at the door, organizers will offer the public a chance to give to a worthy cause.
“We decided to give back to the community,” he said. “This year’s, instead of asking for money, we’re asking for canned goods.
“Everybody comes in brings one canned good, we’ll turn around and donate it to the local food pantry,” he added.
The haunted house venue is planned so attendees can enter through the agency’s new addition and exit into the fire hall bay.
“There could be new features that weren’t there in years before,” Jacobs said. “There’s always something around the corner.”
Halloween in the Park
On Halloween Saturday, Oct. 31, the Marble Falls Parks and Recreation Department along with police and fire departments, are hosting a drive-through trick-or-treating event.
The free feature, the first of its kind in the city, is from 5 to 8 p.m. The protocol – with “social distancing and safety purposes”at the crux – will involve motorists driving vendor to vendor to collect candy and treats, participation in games and activities and opting for a photo at the end to be submitted in a costume contest.
Go to marblefallsrecreation.com for more information about Halloween in the Park.
Llano Trunk-or-Treat Trail
In Llano, businesses and church supporters have joined forces for an unofficial Llano Trunk-or-Treat Trail event from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. around the community on Satruday, Oct. 31.
Attendees can participate in Halloween activities and collect treats from Main Street merchants around the Llano County Courthouse Square as well as First Baptist Church, 107 W. Luce.
Other participating entities include the Llano Chamber of Commerce and Lowe’s Food Market, 104 W. Young (Texas 29) and the John L. Kuykendall Event Center, 2200 W. RR 152, which will offer trick-or-treating opportunities for youngsters.
“It’s everyone pulling together, so the kids can have a Halloween,” Llano Chamber representative Kim Webb said.