Downtown Ripon businesses are opening their doors Friday from 2 until 5 p.m. for trick-or-treaters in advance of Halloween.

The parade of children walking door-to-door ghosts and goblins will begin at Acacia Avenue and continue eastward on Main Street with most of the businesses participating.  The shop keepers taking part in the event will have pumpkin posters posted on their doors or windows. 

Businesses on the side streets are also participating including the headquarters of the Ripon Fire Department.

Other Halloween events this week in Manteca include:

TODAY

HARVEST FESTIVAL: Shasta’s 7th Annual Harvest Festival is scheduled for today from 5 to 7 p.m. at the school’s campus at 751 E. Edison Street. There will be fun games to play with the purchase of tickets. Student body will be selling $2 pizza, $1 soda, and $2 piece of pie (cash only). Students can also participate in a scarecrow contest and a costume contest to win prizes and parents can browse local vendors selling items such as crafts, candles, Tupperware and more.



FRIDAY

TRUNK OR TREAT: Crossroads Grace Community Church presents the second annual Trunk or Treat on Friday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1505 Moffat Blvd, Manteca. The free event for families and children features free candy, games, inflatables, petting zoo, “trunks” with all the candy a child dreams about. Food vendors will supply family fuel, a band will create background environment, families are welcome for an evening of fun. Go to  www.trunkortreat.church for information.



SATURDAY

HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, North Street and Powers Avenue, will have a traditional Halloween carnival on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring games and food. Tickets are six for a dollar.

HARVEST FESTIVAL: The First Baptist Church is conducting a Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sheridan Avenue and North Street.

SAFE HALLOWEEN: St. Anthony’s School is having a Safe Halloween event featuring game, food and music on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the school gym, 323 N. Fremont Ave. Tickets are 25 cents each while prices vary. For questions, call 823.4513.