BY CRYSTAL VANDEGRIFT AND ALEXA MASSEY

The Farmville Herald

Halloween is Thursday, Oct. 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.

Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.

As with each year, there are many activities for both children and adults.

FOR TRICK OR TREATERS IN FARMVILLE AND PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

FARMVILLE HALLOWEEN PARADE

Come join the coolest boys and ghouls around at the annual Farmville Halloween Parade on Thursday, Oct. 31. The fun begins by gathering at the Courthouse Lawn at 4 p.m. Costumed creatures, ages 12 and under, are then invited to parade up and down Main Street to collect their treats from local merchants and civic groups. There won’t be any tricks, just good fun. The event is hosted by the Farmville Recreation Department.

PUMPKINS ON THE PLAZA

After the Farmville Downtown Halloween Parade from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., stop by the Plaza for more family-friendly fun. This event will feature pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, crafts, games, music and more. Rangers from nearby State Parks and representatives from the Farmville Library will be present. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of High Bridge Trail State Park. Donations are welcomed and help support the park. This event is free and open to the public.

THE FISHIN’ PIG HALLOWEEN EVENT

It’s all about the kids at The Fishin’ Pig on Halloween from 5-8 p.m. Giveaways, free candy, face painting, games and more. Bring the family out for a spooktacular time.

COLLEGE NIGHT HALLOWEEN PARTY

The scary good times never stop. Celebrate with the crew at North Street Press Club on Halloween night from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Regular happy hour and college night specials. Let’s get spooky.

LCVA’S CABIN FILM SERIES PRESENTS: “TRICK ‘R TREAT”

Join the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts (LCVA) at the Longwood Cabin on Friday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. for a free screening of the chilling horror film “Trick ‘r Treat.”

“Trick ‘r Treat” is a 2007 American anthology written and directed by Michael Dougherty and produced by Bryan Singer. The film stars Dylan Baker, Rochelle Aytes, Anna Paquin and Brian Cox. It relates four Halloween horror stories with a common element in them, Sam, a mysterious child trick-or-treater wearing shabby orange footie pajamas with a burlap sack over his head. The character makes an appearance in each of the stories whenever a character breaks Halloween traditions.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. with an introduction and discussion led by the Cabin Film Series Guest Curator, Dr. Chris McGee.

This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

The Longwood Cabin is located at 1401 Johnston Drive, Farmville. Traveling from town by East Third Street, turn right at the intersection by Sunchase Cinema 8 onto Longwood Avenue, then turn left onto Johnston Drive, followed by a right turn onto a gravel road that leads to the cabin.

TRICK OR TREATING AT THE CELLAR

Get Halloween started right. Trick or Treat in your Halloween best during a unique tasting experience at The Virginia Tasting Cellar. Best Halloween costume wins a $50 gift certificate. The event is Thursday, Oct. 31, from 4-8 p.m. Over 21 only.

SPOOKY SLUGFEST

Longwood baseball’s annual Halloween-themed scrimmage will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The family-friendly event features a seven-inning scrimmage by the Lancer baseball team in full costume followed by trick-or-treating for children around the bases. Come dressed in your best costume. Admission is Free.

FOR TRICK OR TREATERS IN BUCKINGHAM AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES

Children from Cumberland and Buckingham counties will have a number of places that they can venture to in order to get their candy fix. Trick-or-treating events are being held throughout the area, with plenty of opportunities for safe celebration. The following events all take place Thursday, Oct. 31.

TRUNK OR TREATS

• In New Canton at Arvon Baptist Church, 28350 N. James Madison Highway and Buckingham Baptist Church, 4234 N. James Madison Highway. Both events will run from 5-7 p.m.

• Mt. Zion Baptist Church will host their Trunk or Treat from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 6277 Cartersville Road.

• Arvonia Welcome Wesleyan Church will host a Trunk or Treat from 6-8 p.m. at 26599 N. James Madison Highway.

• Passion Community Church will be holding its Trunk or Treat from 5-8 p.m. at 2723 James Madison Highway.

• Atlee Church will host their own celebration from 5:30-8 p.m. at 410 Valley St. in Scottsville.

• Cedar Baptist Church in Dillwyn will host a Trunk or Treat celebration from 6-8 p.m.

• Community Trunk or Treat will take place from 5:30-8 p.m. at 14 Fitzgerald Road in Cumberland. Children attending the event will be able to enjoy free games, candy, a bouncy house and much more. The celebration is sponsored by the Alliance of Cumberland Churches.

• Cartersville Rescue Squad is having their own Trunk or Treat from 5:30-8 p.m. at 1667 Cartersville Road.

HALLOWEEN OPEN HOUSE

Corner Coffee Junction will have its Halloween open house starting at 5 p.m. on Main Street in Dillwyn. The business will be giving way hot apple cider, hot chocolate and Mama Crockett’s cider doughnuts to the first 400 guests.

HALLOWEEN EVENT ON MAIN STREET

Thursday, Oct. 31, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., join the Town of Dillwyn on Main Street for a fun Halloween event.