Halloween fun takes center stage this weekend in Manteca.
The biggest event is the Downtown Safe Halloween trunk or treat event Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to noon on Maple Avenue and Yosemite Avenue.
Children 12 and under are encouraged to dress up in costumes and trick or treat.
Participating merchants are handing out treats as part of the free event organized by the Manteca Recreation & Community Services Department.
Clear Drop Car Wash is again staging their Haunted Car Was Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29, from 7 to 10:30 p.m.
Parents are encouraged to bring in kids in costumes for a safe handout of treats and to enjoy the Halloween haunt.
A Manteca a tradition for more than 25 years — the Mad Scientist Laboratory — is back this Saturday, Oc. 29, from 6:30 to 10 p.m., and Monday, Oct. 31, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at 1373 Pajaro Ave.
The free event staged as a safe family fun excursion is recommended for ages 5 and up. It includes flashing lights, bubbling chemicals, old medical and laboratory equipment, creatures in bottles and jars, electricity sparking and candy for kids.
Rick Feuerstein, the man known as “The Mad Scientist”, converts his garage into a laboratory for all things spooky – an homage to the monster movies that he used to watch as a kid with his brother.
It’s geared towards children that are five years of age and older because there are some elements that may be too scary for children that are younger than that – like the trick that he does with an air compressor and the innards of the man that bears a striking resemblance to Frankenstein.
A medical supply repairman by trade, most of the items that he has available for display were either surplus things that he picked up from work, or from UC Davis when they were getting rid of surplus laboratory equipment – stocking up on beakers, old devices and even a Jacob’s ladder that gives the ambiance a truly official feel with the electrical arcs working their way up to the top of a pair of metal rods.
The attraction is free and open to the public.
Pajaro Avenue is off of Northgate Drive in north Manteca. From North Main Street head west on Northgate Drive, cross over the Tidewater Bike Path and turn left at the first street. If you reach the traffic signal at Hoyt Lane you have gone too far.
Manteca Unified school events yet to take place include:
* Neil Hafley – Halloween Dance (6th-8th grades), Friday, 6 to 9 p.m. plus Costume Parade (K-3), Monday, Oct. 31, 8:30 a.m.
*McParland – Fall Festival, Friday, 5 to 7 p.m.
*Brock Elliott – Trunk or Treat event, Friday, 4:30 to 7 p.m. plus Halloween Parade, Friday, 8:30 a.m.
*Golden West – Trick or Treat, tonight 5:45 to 6;45 p.m.
*McParland (Annex) – Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat, Friday, 5 to 7 p.m. plus TK-K Parade, Monday, Oct. 31, 10:30 to 11 a.m., 1st & 2nd graders, 1 to 1:30 p.m.
