Area churches offering Halloween alternatives

While navigating through a corn maze or haunted house may be preferred ways for some to celebrate Halloween, others may prefer alternate activities.

Since early October, churches throughout the area have been holding trick-or-treat alternatives. The following represents a sampling of activities in the area.

Trunk or Treat

Wesley United Methodist Church in Fruitland will host a Trunk or Treat at 5 p.m. Oct. 31. The event will feature decorated cars, vans and trucks where children will receive candy and treats from the back of the vehicles. The church will also hold a costume and pumpkin contest during the event. Attendees can dress in festive, friendly costumes and bring carved or decorated pumpkins. Hot chocolate and coffee will be served inside the church building during the evening.

Tractor Treat

CrossRoads Fellowship in Jackson will host a Tractor Treat from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Halloween. Like Wesley United Methodist, CrossRoads welcomes festivalgoers to sport costumes. Throughout the evening booths will be set up with games and activities for children. Featured games include Plinko, treasure fishing, Dance Dance Revolution, basketball toss and indoor mazes. Hayrides, concession stand, photo booth and a bonfire will also be offered.

Judgement House

For those who would like an alternative to Halloween, some churches offer Judgement House. A tour group assembles and walks through different rooms, following the lives of individuals who meet with tragedy in the untimely deaths of loved ones. The two options for a final destination are vividly portrayed.

Among the churches hosting Judgement House are:

• Lynwood Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau, Nov. 5 to 8, 7 to 9 p.m.
• First Baptist Church of Perryville, Mo., from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 23 and 30; from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 25 and Nov. 1; and from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 26 and Nov. 2.