Spooktacular Halloween Activities

Halloween- a perennial favorite for people of all ages. We’re going to assume you’re busy scheming up costume ideas, picking out your candy selection, and plotting a trick or treat route and (possibly) a party - so we’ve done a little research to help you find some cool, spooky central MN community events this month! Follow the links for all the info you need to make these events part of the fall fun!

MOLITOR’S HAUNTED ACRES
Chances are high you’ve either been to, or heard of this incredibly intricate and terrifying spectacle, presented by Molitor’s Grill and Bar in Sauk Rapids. Now in their 17th year, the folks at Molitors keep upping the scare factor each season. The trek includes a haunted woodsy hayride, followed with foot chases through the House of Horrors, the Quarry Asylum, The Storm Sewer, The Toxic Mineshaft, and finishes with what is arguably the scariest part of all - The Prison. And, since it is Molitor’s, you’re invited to hang out, have a beverage and enjoy a bonfire - whether or not you participate in the haunted jaunt.

HARVEST OF HORROR
This ghoulish attraction takes you a little ways out of town but it’s well-worth the trek. A fairly recent addition to the local Halloween circuit, Harvest of Horror is hayride loaded with shocks and scares. The trek begins with a ride through farmland, called the Field of Screams, before taking a turn into the thickly wooded Timbers of Terror. The event wraps up with Maze of Madness, populated by “creepy lifeforms.” So...yeah. This one isn’t for the faint. Rides are held on Friday and Saturday evenings until the 31st.

STEARNS HISTORY MUSEUM’S HALLOWEEN HISTORIA
Now, while this one has a slightly spooky name, the Stearns History Museum promises a non-scary, fun and educational offering. On October 25, you and the kids are invited to stroll through the museum’s seasonal exhibit, dress up for Trick or Treating, and even join in on a scavenger hunt! The fun runs from noon to 4pm, and admission is $4.

CROSSROADS CENTER TRICK OR TREATING
This is definitely a yearly favorite for folks all over central Minnesota. Get the kids in costume and dodge whatever mother nature throws our way by trick or treating in the comfort of the mall. You’ll know which stores are participating when you see a little pumpkin posted up at their doors. Hours are from 5-7pm...leaving plenty of time to hit your neighborhood for more treats afterward!

TRICK OR TREATING...WITH SCFCU!
You didn’t think we’d skip out on Halloween fun, did you? Come say hello to our team from SCFCU during the Pine Cone Marketplace’s pre-Halloween Trick Or Treat extravaganza. The event will be held on October 25th from 10am-1pm. We’ll be hanging out on the corner; bring your treat bag!

                                 

So, there’s a short list of some great ways to celebrate the season. Do you have any particular plans? Thinking about attending one of these? Leave us a comment and tell us about it!

Seven Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating

Halloween is just around the corner, and as always – the safety of our Members and Community is very important to us.  Below are 7 tips for making sure you and your gang Trick-or-Treat safely this year…

1. Plan Your Route

It’s a good idea to decide what neighborhoods and streets you’ll be visiting for Trick-or-Treating ahead of time so you know you aren't wandering too far from home, which may result in some tired little legs.  Make sure it is a familiar neighborhood, in case any one gets separated.

2. Be Seen

When you’re putting the final touches on costumes and treat bags, consider adding a few strips of reflective tape to assure your kiddos can be seen.  Also, remember to carry along a flashlight, for when it gets dark – it’ll be helpful for tying shoes and seeing where you’re going.

3. Walk on the Sidewalk

This safety tips has two parts; first, make sure you and your goblins and ghosts walk while Trick-or-Treating for everyone’s safety. Second, make sure they stay on the sidewalk or a cleared path.  You never know when a car is going to turn down a street, and you may not be able to see items on the road that could cause a spill.

4. Make Trip-Free Costumes

When you’re getting ready to go, make sure everyone’s costumes are an appropriate length.  This may mean trimming the bottom, or adjusting the height of where a costume is worn, but it will also make for a safe, comfortable, and fun evening.

5. Fuel Up

Make sure you take the time to have a good meal (or snack, depending on the time) before Trick-or-Treating.  Also, have a water bottle along so that everyone stays hydrated.  It’ll help the kids (and you!) enjoy the night without having to substitute Skittles for a sandwich.

6. Lit Houses Only

This rule of thumb is one of the most basic Trick-or-Treating practices, but we wanted to include it in our reminders.  Make sure to only approach houses that are well-lit.  If there’s a light on but no one answers your knock, skip the house – they must like the tricks more than the treats.

7. Check the Candy

Before your kids dive into their bag of goodies, have a look at their candy. No, we don’t suggest this so you can pick out your favorite pieces (although 1 or 2 might not hurt), but so that you can assure that any candy that is not properly wrapped or labeled can be thrown out. Better to be safe than sorry!

We hope you have a fun and safe Halloween night, not-so-full of tricks and abundant in treats!

Our mission is to educate, support, and encourage our Members to become Financially Fit.

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6 Tricks to Make Halloween a Treat

Did you know that in 2013, consumers will spend just under $7 billion on candy corn, costumes, and creepy décor? That’s some serious Halloween dedication! However, more of us must have Financial Fitness on the brain, because spending is down from 2012, when spending peaked at over $8 billion.

Let us help you enjoy the Halloween season, without breaking your budget in the process!  Below are 6 frugal (but festive) tricks to make your Halloween a Treat …

1. Do a Costume Swap

Find a neighbor, relative, or family friend, and swap some costumes for the kids! This will help them have a variety of choices to choose from, and save you from those outrageously-priced costumes.

2. Create Your Own Costume
If your little one has their mind set on what they’d like to dress up as, but you don’t want to drop the cash on ‘the perfect outfit’, create your own costume! Figure out what pieces the costume is made of, and see how you can make it yourself for a lot less.  Inexpensive and unique!

3. Don’t Overstock the Candy Bowl

You never know just how many visitors you’ll have, so don’t spend an arm and a leg filling buckets and buckets of candy to hand out. While buying in bulk can get you more bang for your buck, don’t go overboard!  Set a price you want to spend, and know that it’s OK if you run out – just make sure you switch the porch light off.

4. Think Ahead

When buying your candy supply, plan on buying it ahead of time.  No, we’re not talking clearance Easter candy – but don’t wait until the few days before Halloween; that’s when prices are highest.

5.  Shop Around

If you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin, do a little price comparison.  In some cases, a local pumpkin patch can offer reasonable prices (along with hay rides, free activities, and fun) – but sometimes a nearby supermarket may save you more.  Take the time to shop around and you’ll find the pumpkin and price you want.

6. D.I.Y.

If you want to really get into the spirit, look for ‘DIY’ (do it yourself) projects to make your own Halloween decorations!  Many projects use items you may already have around the house, and can be a fun way to spend an afternoon with friends and kids – head to Pinterest for loads of fun ideas!

Halloween fun doesn't have to be expensive! By spending a little time comparing prices and getting your creative juices flowing, you’ll be able to enjoy the Halloween season, without it taking a toll on your Financial Fitness!

Our mission is to educate, support, and encourage our Members to become Financially Fit.