Mahaska County Conservation’s Halloween Bash Returns Saturday with Games, Trick-or-Treating and Lighted Campsites
OSKALOOSA, Iowa – This Saturday, Eveland Access Campground will be filled with Halloween costumes, decorated pumpkins, carnival games, and many decorated campsites as Mahaska County Conservation hosts its annual Halloween Bash.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 24th, from 1 to 9 p.m. at Eveland Access Campground, located at 2890 Galeston Avenue near Oskaloosa.
Ella Paulson from Mahaska County Conservation recently visited the Oskaloosa News studio to talk about the day’s activities, new features, and what visitors can look forward to at one of the department’s biggest annual events.
The celebration will have activities for children, adults, and family pets. In the evening, visitors can drive through the campground to see Halloween decorations and lighted displays.
Carnival Games and a Costume Parade for Dogs
The afternoon begins at 1 p.m. with carnival games, prizes, candy, and activities for children.
About six carnival games are planned, along with a coloring wall where children can enjoy another Halloween activity.
The games will continue until 3 p.m.
Dogs can also join the fun during the BARK Ranger activities from 1 to 2 p.m.
Families are welcome to bring their dogs in Halloween costumes for a parade around the east side of the campground.
Some campers may provide treats for the dogs along the route.
Other activities include bobbing for hot dogs and getting a special BARK Ranger certificate.
All dogs must stay on leashes. No advance registration is needed for the dog parade.
Pumpkin Contest, Bingo and Halloween Stories
At 2 p.m., the decorated pumpkin contest will begin.
The contest is open to all ages, with separate age groups and prizes. Participants should bring a pumpkin they have already carved, painted, or otherwise decorated, with judging scheduled for 2 p.m.
Halloween bingo will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the campground shelter house.
Bingo is open to all ages and will feature prizes such as candy and donated items.
At 3:30 p.m., Mrs. Fox will share Not-So-Spooky Stories, providing Halloween storytelling for children and families before trick-or-treating starts.
Trick-or-Treating Throughout the Campground
A favorite part of the Halloween Bash starts at 4 p.m., when children can go trick-or-treating around the campground.
Trick-or-treating runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m., with campers handing out candy at their decorated sites.
Paulson said organizers hope to have up to 44 campsites taking part across both the east and west sections of the campground.
Many campers put a lot of effort into decorating their sites, creating Halloween displays for everyone to enjoy.
This year, children can vote for their favorite decorated campsite during afternoon trick-or-treating.
Their votes will decide a special Kids’ Choice Award, which is separate from the awards given during the evening drive-through.
New to This Year’s Celebration
Visitors can also buy food and drinks during the event.
Paulson said two food trucks are expected, and they will serve food until 6 p.m.
Wanders on Wheels will serve barbecue and other options, like macaroni and cheese and side dishes.
Caffeinated Blonde will offer drinks.
The extended food service lets families eat after trick-or-treating and before the evening campground tour.
Lighted Campsite Tour Begins at 7 p.m.
The Halloween Bash wraps up with the Lights & Sights Auto Campsite Tour from 7 to 9 p.m.
Visitors can drive through both sections of Eveland Access Campground to see campsites decorated with Halloween lights, displays, and other attractions.
Some campers set up elaborate displays with lighting effects, moving decorations, and video presentations.
Drivers will follow a marked route that starts near the shelter house.
Visitors can also vote for their favorite decorated campsite.
Prizes will go to first, second, and third place on both sides of the campground, plus an overall grand champion.
Paulson saiPaulson said there will also be a drawing for a two-night stay at one of the county’s cabins. A $5 donation is suggested, though visitors may contribute more if they choose.
Money raised from the tour will help fund future campground improvements.
Community Invited to Participate
Mahaska County Conservation invites families to attend, whether they want to join the afternoon activities, go trick-or-treating, or enjoy the evening lighted tour.
No campground reservation is needed to attend, and parking will be available. Those interested in decorating a campsite or participating in the celebration should contact Mahaska County Conservation to check availability.
For more information, call 641-673-9327 or visit www.mahaskaconservation.com.
Event updates will also be posted on the Mahaska County Conservation Facebook page.
The Halloween Bash takes place Saturday, October 24th, from 1 to 9 p.m. at Eveland Access Campground, 2890 Galeston Avenue, Oskaloosa.
