Our Guide to Trick or Treating
Compiled by Northwoods News Staff
“Once a year
When the leaves are brown
October 31st rolls around
Kids come out when the sun goes down
You know they’re comin’
When you hear this sound
Trick or treat
Trick or treat
Give us something good to eat
If you don’t hee hee hee
We’ll put snails upon your feet
Trick or treat
Trick or treat
We love candy oh so sweet
Each and every Halloween
We all say trick or treat”
(From “Trick or Treat,” by Andrew Gold)
While it’s challenging to pinpoint the precise origins of the Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating, historians point to All Souls’ Day celebrations in first century England during which “Poor people would visit the houses of wealthier families and receive pastries called soul cakes in exchange for a promise to pray for the souls of the homeowners’ dead relatives. Known as ‘souling,’ the practice was later taken up by children, who would go from door to door asking for gifts such as food, money and ale.”
As cultural traditions evolved over the centuries and were transported across the Atlantic Ocean, trick-or-treating came to hold a prominent place in American culture by the early 1950s. There are comics and cartoons from this time of the Peanuts gang and Donald Duck and his nephews going door to door in costume.
It is estimated that Americans spend over $2.6 billion each year on candy for Halloween. In addition, over $3 billion is spent on costumes for the holiday.
In need of some inspiration for your Halloween attire? Ranging from a chick magnet to a plant lady, here are 75 last minute DIY costumes that Good Housekeeping has rounded up. If you’re planning on spending a quiet night in at home, Taste of Home has 34 candy recipes you can try, including ‘scary eyeballs’ and ‘potato chip clusters’.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, here is our guide to Northwoods trick- (and trunk-) or-treating events.
Town of Arbor Vitae Trick or Treat
Sunday, October 31st
At participating Arbor Vitae residences.
4:00 to 7:00 pm
Boulder Junction:
Boulder Junction In-Town Trick or Treat
Saturday, October 30th
At participating Boulder Junction businesses.
2:00 to 4:00 pm
Boulder Junction In-Town Trick or Treat
Sunday, October 31st
At participating Boulder Junctions residences.
4:00 to 7:00 pm
Contact: Boulder Junction Chamber at (715) 385-2400 or boulderjct.org.
Crandon:
Sunday, October 31st
4:00 to 6:00 pm (at participating residences.)
Eagle River:
Saturday, October 30th
223 East Wall Street
Eagle River, WI 54521
12:00 to 2:00 pm
Come for an afternoon of ghoulish fun: treasure hunt, costume contest and a Halloween themed movie accompanied by soda and popcorn. This event is free for children up to 15 years of age who will also receive free popcorn and soda. The event is sponsored by the Eagle River Business Association and Vilas Cinema. For more information, email grandmastoybox12@gmail.com or call Kathy at 715-477-2227.
The City of Eagle River does not set specific Halloween Trick or Treating hours. City residents that wish to participate in trick or treating, please leave a porch light on. Trick or Treaters, please only go to residences with a lit porch light! – Eagle River Police Department
Lake Tomahawk:
Trunk or Treat at Sloan Community Center
Sunday, October 31st
7246 Main Street
Lake Tomahawk, WI 54539
2:00 to 4:00 pm
The Town of Lake Tomahawk trick-or-treating hours are also 2:00 to 4:00 pm. For more information, please contact Linda Penno at 715-383-9188 or pennolinda@gmail.com.
Land O’ Lakes:
Ely Memorial Church: Trunk or Treat
Sunday, October 31st
Ely Memorial Church
4302 County Road B
Land O’ Lakes, WI 54540
4:00 to 5:30 pm
Families are invited to bring their young children to go trunk-to-trunk for treats in the church parking lot.
CAMPFIRE BOO BASH at the Library
Sunday, October 31st
Land O’ Lakes Library
4242 County Road B
Land O’ Lakes, WI 54540
4:30 to 6:00 pm
Enjoy a campfire with s’mores and hot dogs, ghost stories, jokes, games, and tricks and treats too! Attendees are advised to dress for the weather. For more information, call 715-547-6006.
Manitowish Waters:
Trick or Treat with Trunk or Treat at Koller Park
Saturday, October 30th
County Highway W
Manitowish Waters, WI 54545
12:00 to 2:00 pm
There will be trunk-or-treating in Koller Park and trick-or-treating around the downtown area at participating local businesses. For more information, call 715-543-8488
Minocqua:
Sunday, October 31st
4:00 to 6:00 pm (at participating Minocqua businesses.)
4:00 to 7:00 pm (at participating Minocqua residences.)
Phelps:
Phelps Booster Club: Trunk or Treat
Saturday, October 30th
Phelps School Lower Parking Lot
4451 Old School Road
Phelps, WI 54554
2:00 to 5:00 pm
Town of Phelps: Trick or Treat
Saturday, October 30th
At participating businesses and residences.
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Presque Isle:
Sunday, October 31st
Pipke Park – Highway W
Presque Isle, WI
5:00 to 8:00 pm
Activities held at the new all-outdoors location at Pipke Park include trunk-or-treat around the pond. Haunted ice shanties with refreshments provided. This event is hosted by St. Rita’s Church, Presque Isle Lions and the Presque Isle Fire/EMS Department. For more information, call 715-686-2910.
Rhinelander:
Friendly Village Trick or Treat
Friday, October 29th
900 Boyce Drive
Rhinelander, WI 54501
4:00 to 6:00 pm
Staff and residents will be passing out candy in the Friendly Village parking lot.
Saturday, October 30th
Downtown Rhinelander
2:00 to 4:00 pm
Brown and Davenport Streets will be blocked off during this time to keep the community safe. All participating businesses will have a paper pumpkin in their window.
Trick or Treating will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. For more information on having a safe Halloween, contact the Rhinelander Police Department at 715-365-5300.
St. Germain:
St. Germain Lions Club Drive Thru Trick or Treating
Saturday, October 30th
Sentry Foods
474 WI-70
St Germain, WI 54558
6:00 pm
Town of St. Germain Treat or Treating
Sunday, October 31st
At participating St. Germain residences.
3:00 to 7:00 pm
Sayner:
Saturday, October 30th
Plum Lake Library Parking Lot
4:00 to 6:00 pm
For more information, call 715-542-2020.
Three Lakes:
Three Lions Club Halloween Party
Sunday, October 31st
Three Lakes High School
6930 W. School Street
Three Lakes, WI 54562
5:45 to 7:00 pm
There will be a costume contest at the Three Lakes School Commons at 6:00 pm. Prizes will be awarded for the scariest, prettiest, funniest and coolest costumes. To enter the pumpkin carving contest, have your carved or decorated pumpkin(s) at the Three Lakes School Commons by 5:45 pm. For more information, call 715-546-3344.
Woodruff:
Town of Woodruff Trick or Treat
October 31st
At participating Woodruff residences.
4:00 to 7:00 pm
Check out hauntedwisconsin.com for more spooky happenings.