Trick-or-treating used to be a challenge for Gilpin County’s rural mountain children. The homes are so spread out that it is impractical to go door to door for a few morsels of candy— and that's if the surprised-to-see-you occupants had any to offer.
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GILPIN COUNTY – Trick-or-treating used to be a challenge for Gilpin County’s rural mountain children. The homes are so spread out that it is impractical to go door to door for a few morsels of candy— and that's if the surprised-to-see-you occupants had any to offer.
Black Hawk has a row of about 10 houses that could be hit, but then what? Negotiating wrought iron gates and multiple steps leading to the homes in Central City is a lot of work for little reward.
Enter the Gilpin County Community Center’s Spooky Stroll, an event that seems to grow in popularity each year. On Friday, October 24, starting at 5 p.m., families turned out to participate in the festivities. Besides being a fantastic location to celebrate Halloween, a big advantage for the kids is that the candy is all at one place.
Witches, ghosts, ghouls, devils, pirates, princesses, superheroes, cowboys, cartoon characters, and a Rosie the Riveter were just some of those that walked the extended Trick-or-Treat Trail. And it’s not just the children that get dressed up—every parent this year was also in costume.
To the kids’ delight, the haul of sweet treats was substantial. After stuffing their bags or containers nearly full, participants could go on a hayride or play carnival games in the gymnasium (where more candy could be obtained).
Utilizing hoops and balls of different sizes, the games included Tic-Tac-Toe, Fish in a Bowl, Duck Hunter, Witch Hat Toss, and a cake walk. Two bounce houses kept the most energetic of the children merrily engaged.
Cobwebs and skeletons lined the dark and foggy passageways in the Haunted Barn. This passage was strictly for older kids and adults. A mummy jumped out as it moaned in search of immortality. Around the corner, a zombie decapitated his victim before disbelieving eyes.
Further along, a graveyard housed the unfortunate. One of the tombstones warned “Don’t Make Me Come Up There.” Another read “Ben Dismembered, May He Rest in Pieces.”
Continually hosting enjoyable events throughout the year, the Gilpin County Community Center’s upcoming schedule may be viewed at gilpincounty.colorado.gov/parks-rec.
