OKEECHOBEE — As Halloween approaches this year, kids and parents alike wonder what the holiday will look like. Will there be trick or treating, carnivals, fall festivals, trunk or treat, parties? For the kids, the most important question of all is, “Will there be candy?” Since all the local stores began stocking up on candy weeks ago, the answer to that question is a resounding, “YES!” In Okeechobee, some local elementary schools, churches and organizations are making plans for the holiday this year.

Everglades Elementary School is once again doing their Pumpkins on Parade event and will be hosting a drive-thru trick or treat night. Last year, EES held their first Pumpkins on Parade event in conjunction with their book fair. Each pumpkin was painted using the theme of a favorite book. Some were painted by teachers, some by students and some by families. They had approximately 100 entries last year. This year, the pumpkins will still be displayed in the media center for the children to see, and everyone else will be able to see them via a virtual tour on their Facebook page. The theme this year is the same as last year — a favorite book.

North Elementary School will be encouraging the children to dress in costumes at school as they did last year. Each day of the week beginning October 26 will have a different theme. On Monday, they will show how bright they all are with NEON day. Tuesday will be athlete or mathlete day. Everyone can dress up in either sports or nerd attire. On Wednesday, everyone is encourage to wear pajamas as they follow their dreams. Thursday is Wild N Out day. Wear your crazy socks; mix and match your clothes or wear wacky hair! Friday is the sensational Spooktacular Halloween Costume Day! Masks are still required every day. On Thursday night, Oct. 29, from 5-6 p.m., the school will host a drive through trick or treat family night. Just drive through the parent drop off circle to receive a treat.

South Elementary School will be doing their trick and treat event again this year. The kids get candy (the treat) and the parents get tricks (to help their children at home.) They will be doing things differently this year though. They are routing the parents through the car line, and families will remain in vehicles but stop at each table. The kids can wear costumes, but must stay in their vehicles at all times.

Seminole Elementary School will not be having a Fall Festival or Spooktacular event this year due to COVID-19.

Central Elementary School is not planning anything this year due to the coronavirus.

First Baptist Church is hosting its annual fall festival on Oct. 31 from 5 - 7:30 p.m. in the ball fields south of the Roc.

Jeeps of Okeechobee is doing a Jeep O Treat from 6 p.m. until 8 at 3101 U.S. 441 South. Not only will the jeeps be decorated, but there will be barbecue as well. They have a Facebook page called Jeeps of Okeechobee if you want to check them out.

Abiding Hope will be holding a fall festival on Oct. 31 at 4550 U.S. 441 North from 4-6 p.m.

The Sorenson Family will be doing their usual huge display and candy distribution on Southwest 18th Terrace.

There is a Floating Pumpkin Patch on Oct. 24 from 6-8 p.m. at the Sport’s Complex.

The Okeechobee County Library, 206 S.W. 16th Street, is hosting curbside trick or treating on Oct. 29 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. They are also offering some take home crafts for the family to do in advance of the holiday. Drop by and pick yours up now.

Diamond C Events is holding a fall festival on Oct. 30-31 and Nov. 6-7 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. They are located at 24497 E. State Road 78.

Milking R Dairy will be welcoming trick or treaters on Oct. 30 from 2-7 p.m. and on Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. They are located at 5818 U.S. 98 North.

The Country Boutique will be hosting a Halloween Bash on Oct. 31 from 12-8 p.m. They are located at 305 S.W. Park Street.

Muck City Tattoos, in the Sun Plaza, will be having a Halloween party and handing out candy to trick or treaters.

Custom Sights and Sounds, 1811 U.S. 441 South, is holding a Spooktacular trunk n Treat event again this year on Oct. 24 from 6-8 p.m.

As you can see, Halloween is not completely canceled in Okeechobee. Let the chocolate fever begin!

If your organization is planning a Halloween event, email okeenews@newszap.com.