Haunting happenings

The scariest night of the year is fast approaching. Halloween is Oct. 31. Trick or treat hours in both the Village of Lake Orion and Orion Township are 6-8 p.m.
Other area events include:
DOWNTOWN HALLOWEEN PARADE
Downtown Lake Orion is hosting its annual Halloween Parade on Oct. 28. The date has been changed from the traditional night before Halloween.
Parade organizers are encouraging costumed hooligans and their parents to participate. If anyone has any scary ideas for a parade entry and would like to participate, call Downtown Lake Orion at 248-693-9742.
The parade begins at 6 p.m.. The route begins at the Ehman Center, located at Elizabeth/Lapeer Streets. Participants will go to Broadway and head south to Children’s Park.
The best place to view the parade is at the Broadway/Flint intersection corners.
After the parade, trick or treating starts at the gazebo in the park and continues through the downtown area at participating businesses.
MASTER CARVED PUMPKIN SALE
For the second year in a row, Downtown Lake Orion is selling an array of master carved pumpkins at the gazebo in Children’s Park on the night of the parade.
The Culinary Arts School at the Oakland Tech Center supplies the carvers and the pumpkins are then used to decorate the gazebo and create a spooky atmosphere.
Beginning at 7 p.m., the pumpkins will be sold to the public at prices ranging from $15-$20.
GCC’S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY
Gingellville Community Center’s ninth annual children’s Halloween party featuring the Haunted Carnival takes place Oct. 30, 5-7 p.m. The party includes food, a cookie walk, picture booth and face painting.
The community center is located at 1801 Waldon Road in Lake Orion.
FIRST ANNUAL BOO BASH
Orion Township Parks and Recreation presents the first annual Boo Bash in Friendship Park on Oct. 29, 6:30-9 p.m. Join all the other costumed participants for dinner, hayrides, the Monster Magic Show by Gordon the Magician (family-friendly act for all ages) and tasty treats.
The cost is $7/person; children 2 and under are free. Preregistration is required. Call parks and recreation at 248-391-0304 or visit www.oriontownship.org.
HALLOWEEN AT THE YMCA
Halloween at the YMCA takes place Oct. 29, 6-8 p.m. at the North Oakland Family YMCA.
This spooktacular free good time includes haunted rooms, storytelling, games, crafts, treats and more.
The YMCA is located at 3378 East Walton Blvd. in Auburn Hills. Call 248-370-9622 for more details.
HALLOWEEN NIGHT HIKES
Explore the spooky side of nature with a hike, cider and s’mores at the Lewis E. Wint Nature Center at Independence Oaks County Park.
It’s scheduled for Oct. 30 beginning at 5 p.m. Wear a costume. Register for one of several 1 1/2 hour programs. Prepay to register. Cost is $4/person. For information or to register, call 248-625-6473.
Independence Oaks is located at 9501 Sashabaw Road near Clarkston.
FREE HALLOWEEN CANDY TESTING
Health First Medical Center is offering free Halloween candy screening on Oct. 31, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. The center is located at 1375 South Lapeer Road at the Bald Mountain Regional Medical & Surgical Complex in Lake Orion