Organizations and communities across Central Nebraska are gearing up for the Halloween season, putting on creepy shows and kid-friendly events.
Attending a community-sponsored trunk-or-treat event that brings together several stops for kids in a single location is just one way to keep kids safe and happy during their Halloween celebrations.
According to a 2024 American Red Cross article, the risk of pedestrian fatalities is 43% higher on Halloween compared to any other night. The article pulled data from research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Sifting through 42 years of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data reveals that children between the ages of 4 and 8 are 10 times more likely to be hit by a vehicle on Halloween than on any other evening.
Custer County Sheriff Dan Osmond recently spoke with KNCI/KBBN about fall safety, including for Halloween. Osmond stressed patience and extra attention at corners and crosswalks as a key factors for drivers to enhance awareness of kids who may be out and about.
However, according to Osmond, it is just as important for trick-or-treaters to be aware of their surroundings.
“It’s just as much on them too to pay attention to what they’re doing,” said Osmond. “And so, you know, even have that conversation with your kids, hey, you know, we’re gonna have a lot of fun. We’re gonna do this, but you gotta be careful when we’re crossing the street. You know, look both ways, watch for cars, look again, look again, and then move on.”
As youngsters are out across the area, there will be plenty of opportunities to show of their costumes, collect treats, and maybe pull off a trick or two. Older kids and adults will have their own chance to experience some thrills and chills as well.
KCNI/KBBN has been collecting community event fliers and presents below a list of area events (generally in date-order). Don’t see your event? Contact [email protected].
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Gibbons Grotto – 503 main St. Ansley, Weeknights 7PM – 9PM, Fridays and Saturdays 7PM – 12AM, Free – Donations accepted for charity
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Arnold Trunk or Treat, Downtown Arnold on South Walnut Street, Oct 23 at 6:30PM
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Good Samaritan Trunk or Treat, CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital, North Parking Lot, 10 E 31st St, Kearney, Oct 23 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
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Sargent Fair Board Ghoul-Golf – Sargent Community Center, Oct 24 7PM – 10PM, Oct 25 4PM – 10PM, $4 Admission
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Happy Jack Chalk Mine Ghost Tour – 80131 N State Hwy 11, Scotia, 6:30PM – 10:30PM, Oct 24 – 25, Tickets online $25
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Corn Maze in the Sandhills, West of Ainsworth off Hwy 20, South on 429the AVE to 877th Rd, West on 877th Rd, on the North Side – watch for signs, 11AM – 9PM Oct 25, 26 and 31, $15 Daytime, $20 Haunted Maze
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Orthman Community YMCA Halloween Party – Orthman Community YMCA 1207 N. Grant, Lexington, Oct 25 6PM – 7:30PM, Register online, Fee $10
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Lexington Middle School Student Council Trunk or Treat – Dawson Motor Company, 612 Plum Creek Pkwy, Lexington, Oct 26 1PM – 4PM
- Broken Bow United Methodist Church Trunk or Treat – Broken Bow UMC 1000 South 3rd Ave, Broken Bow, Oct 29 6PM – 8PM
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Halloween at the Hospital – Lexington Regional Health Center, 1201 N Erie St, Lexington, 4PM – Oct 29 6PM
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Children of the Library Haunted House, Broken Bow Public Library, 626 S D St, Broken Bow, Oct 30 – Nov 1 6PM – 8PM, 12 and up, free-will donation.
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Ansley Business Munchkin Masquerade and Trunk or Treat, Main Street, Ansley, Oct 31 4PM – 5:30PM
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Ansley Area Rotary Halloween Soup Supper, Ansley Community Building, Ansley, Oct 31 5PM – 7PM
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Callaway Trunk or Treat Sponsored by First Interstate Bank, Downtown Callaway Oct 31 4PM – 5PM
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Sidewalk Spooks and Trunk or Treat, Downtown City Square and Surrounding Streets to the North, Broken Bow, Oct 31 3PM – 5PM
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Off Broadway Apartments Trick or Treat, Off Broadway Main Lobby, 403 S 1st Ave, Broken Bow, Oct 31 6PM
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Callaway Kids Fall Festival, Callaway Community Center, Nov 1 3PM – 5PM, Preschool-6th Grade, Free, Non-perishable foods collected for food pantry
