Trick of Treaters in luck

Almost 600 million pounds of candy is purchased by Americans each year for Halloween. On average, American children will consume about three cups of sugar on Halloween.

Yet, children of all ages love candy, as well as dressing in cool costumes. Whether you celebrate Halloween or not, there are a variety of opportunities for the little ones to enjoy the evening.

As has been tradition for decades, hundreds of children will come to town for Trick or Treat on the Hayesville Square from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31. The Town of Hayesville will play host this year, with lots of organizations, churches and businesses in town and outside of town joining the fun. Tables will line the perimeter of the square where children can gather candy and other goodies from all of them. A costume contest for all ages, as well as family costumes, will be held in the Historic Courthouse Square Gazebo. The streets will close from 4-8 p.m. to drivers so you may want to park a few blocks from town and walk for easier exiting afterwards.

Some Clay County churches are offering fun, alternative events like Trunk-or-Treats. Check out Church Happenings of this week’s Clay County Progress to find a listing. In the meantime, here are some other fun events in the area:

• If you find yourself in Union County, Hometown Halloween on the Square is their downtown trick-or-treating event. There will be games, costume contests and lots of trick or treats provided by local businesses. The free event is from 6-8 p.m. downtown on the Blairsville Square. Visit: http://www.visitdowntownblairsville.com.

• The Hiawassee Square will also host Trick-or-Treating and a Haunted Mansion. From 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday. The free family event will occur in front of the Towns County Courthouse. The Old Rock Jail will become the spooky Haunted Mansion for those who dare to enter. For details, call Hiawassee City Hall at (706) 896-2202.

• Hiawassee has fall fun events all month. Since the beginning of October, Hiawassee Square has been invaded by dozens of scarecrows. Whether you are in costume or not, there are lots of great selfie spots with the scarecrows. The scarecrows will be on display all month long.

• Want even more sugar? There is also a Friends of the Library Thanksgiving Pie & Sourdough Bread Fundraiser going on to benefit Towns County public libraries. Visit a Towns County library to order apple, pumpkin or pecan pies baked by Mercier Orchards and mini loaves of sourdough bread, baked by Darlene Pilcher of the FOLTC. Quantities are limited and all orders must be placed by Tuesday, Nov. 12. Visit: http://www.mountainregionallibrary.org or call Mountain Regional Library in Young Harris at (706) 379-3732 or Towns County Public Library in Hiawassee at (706) 896-6169.