The event was previously known as Trick or Treat at MYT (Milton Young Towers) but has grown to include the broader Minot area and has moved locations due to the increase in community participation.

“Last year we had 300 kids show up,” said Tracy Parral, event organizer for Halloween Fest. “Because of that, we decided to move into the auditorium this year and go bigger than ever.”

Parral was inspired to create Halloween Fest as a fun, accessible event so families of all income levels and needs could participate in seasonal activities with their loved ones at no cost to themselves.

“Everything’s so expensive,” Parral said. “I want everybody to be able to participate no matter what.”

Submitted Photo Children and toddlers play games for candy and prizes at last year’s Halloween Fest. This year the event is being held at Minot’s Municipal Auditorium and is free for everyone.

Parral talked about how costs can be barriers for low-income families to enjoy seasonal activities together. “Parents sometimes can’t go because it costs $5 to get in. Or, when you go somewhere, each game costs a ticket, and a ticket costs a dollar. So, a lot of people can’t afford to do that,” she said.

“Think of a family of four. You’re spending $80 to go somewhere for 10 minutes. Then that’s their one special thing, then they have to cut back on something else,” Parral said.

Parral doesn’t want parents to have to stay home to save costs and miss out on having fun with their children. Parral likewise wants to create a safe, accommodating environment for children of all ages and needs.

“Another new aspect of the event is that I’ve included an earlier time that is sensory and toddler friendly,” Parral said. “This year toddlers and anyone with disabilities or sensory needs can come from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to enjoy themselves.”

During this earlier time there will be no loud music and there will be toddler friendly candy (or snack substitutions), games and prizes as well as appropriate game prizes for older children and adults with disabilities. There will also be a crafts station and coloring station.

“I have snacks available for the toddlers and I even have baby food and applesauce,” Parral said if parents are concerned about giving their toddlers candy. There are also non-edible options for prizes at the game stations.

For Parral, making the event accessible to different ages, different sensory and dietary needs is important and essential in making an inclusive community event.

“My son has autism and my daughter has ADHD. We all have a cluster of disabilities in my own house,” Parral said. “I try to accommodate everything I can.”

All ages are welcome to attend the event from 1-5 p.m., including toddlers if families would rather bring all of their children to the event at once or if they prefer the later time for any other reason.

“No one is excluded at this event, I want everyone to feel comfortable and have fun in a safe environment,” Parral said.

In addition to the games and craft stations, there will also be photo op areas, face painting, a bounce house and a costume contest.

Raffles have also been added to Halloween Fest this year and are completely free to enter, along with everything else included in the event.

Parral is extremely thankful for the donations and support she’s received so far in organizing this event.

“I definitely want to thank everybody who has helped so far,” she said.

Parral is still looking for additional volunteers to help with games on the day of the event.

“Currently, the most need is from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday. Volunteers are needed to help run the games, help monitor crafts and snacks, face paint and tattoos, cosplay as a kid friendly character, or set up on Friday or breakdown on Saturday,” Parral said.

Volunteers will be fed from 12:15-12:45 p.m. on Saturday and waters will be provided. Those interested in volunteering can reach out to Parral.

Nightmare on 38th Street is the free haunted trail Parral puts on from September through October. The trail is not open this weekend due to Halloween Fest but will be held the following weekends, weather permitting.

People are welcome to come to the event and reach out to Parral about volunteering at that time.

“They can just show up,” Parral said. “You’re more than welcome just to come in, find anyone, and they’ll be able to find me.”

“The more people we can get, then the more games I can have and the more fun we can have,” Parral said. “So just anything anybody can do would be great.”

Event attendees should use door 1 of the Municipal Auditorium to enter the event on Saturday. Door 9 in the back of the auditorium can also be used for wheelchair access.