For those of you with small children who still want them to experience all the fun and frivolity of Halloween, Gatlinburg has the perfect event planned for you. Their 5th Annual Trick or Treat Kickoff Carnival is slated to be held on Wednesday, October 31 from noon to 5 p.m. at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. It’s fun for kids of all ages. There will be contests, inflatables including a bounce house, games, costumed characters, food vendors and lots of CANDY! If it’s anything like in years past, it will be a memorable, fun night for the kids and you as well.
Gatlinburg started its Trick or Treat Carnival five years ago because there a number of things Halloween-related that may be a little too frightening for the town’s younger residents. Therefore, something that eventually became the Trick or Treat Kickoff Carnival would be a great option for the younger crowd. When kids get to the Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza Halloween afternoon, local businesses will be handing out candy and gifts in order to get the day started out right. There will be a number of costume contests, games and prizes, for everyone. So come dressed in your favorite get-up, costume, whatever.
This fantastic family Halloween day event is not just for the locals, any visiting children and their parents who want to take part in the fun are more than welcome to come participate in the contests, play in the inflatables, fill their bags with candy as well as participate in a pumpkin contest.
Trick or treat safety tips will be provided by the Gatlinburg Police Department and the Gatlinburg Fire Department will offer information on fire safety during the event, which attracted more than 1,200 children last year.
Proceeds from some activities will benefit the United Way of Sevier County. To volunteer or for more information, contact Chuck Winstead at 654-0766.