Ghost Guides portrayed historic Wylie figures during the Wylie Whispers: Haunts & History Tours held Oct. 3–4 in Downtown Wylie. From left are Dana Ashley as Betty Garrison, Jasmine Costley as Fannie Ellis, Ofilia Barrera as Lovilla Creel, Eric Hogue as Marshall Hamilton P. Howrey, Tracy Lawson as Mattie Brown, Taylor Vaughan-Thomas as Minnie Walker and Dan Phillipsas George Washington Housewright. Kneeling is Eugene Hauptmann as Col. William D. Wylie.   Shelley Dowdle/The Wylie News

Ghosts, goblins and ghouls won’t have to look far for Halloween fun this month. Communities across the area are hosting family-friendly events filled with candy, costumes, contests and more.

Downtown Wylie was the place to be for the annual Haunts & History Ghost Tours last weekend. Thirty-minute tours, held between 7 and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday departed from the Welcome Center at the Brown House. Guests were entertained with multiple tour stops along Ballard Avenue, where eight volunteer actors portrayed some of Wylie’s early historical figures, including Betty Garrison, Mattie Brown and Col. William Wylie. 

There’s still plenty of Halloween fun ahead in the area. Murphy’s Skele-bration promises no tricks, just treats, from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at the City Hall complex, 206 N. Murphy Road. The festival, held with the PTAs of Boggess and Hunt elementary schools, features a costume contest, candy stations, inflatables, face painting and a haunted maze. Vendors will be on-site with food and snacks.

Costume contest registration runs from 6 to 6:30 p.m., with the fashion show at 6:30 and awards at 7:15. Judging is divided into two age groups — 6 and younger, and ages 7-12 — with prizes for best overall, most original, scariest, funniest, coolest and best group or couple costume. Costumes will be judged on authenticity, originality, detail and presentation. Overflow parking will be available at PSA, 330 N. Murphy Road.

Sachse’s second annual Fall-O-Ween, themed “Drones & Bones,” takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Heritage Park, 4408 Hudson Drive. The free festival includes a haunted maze, creepy carnival, petting zoo, live performances and costume contests. Also in Sachse, the Library will host its Halloween Party Haunted Carnival at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30. The event, now in its second year, transforms the library into a family-friendly haunted carnival with games, craft stations and plenty of tricks and treats. Costumes are encouraged, and admission is free for all ages. New this year are a trick-or-treat market, outdoor movie and drone show at 7:30 p.m.

Downtown Wylie will transform into a Halloween wonderland for Boo on Ballard from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23. Merchants and nonprofit groups along Ballard Avenue, from Highway 78 to Brown Street, will hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. The free event is presented by the Wylie Downtown Merchants Association, The Cross Church and the city of Wylie. Parks and Recreation will add to the fun with “Glow in the Park” in Olde City Park, featuring a zip line, mechanical bulls and inflatables. Other highlights include The Cross Church Trunk-or-Treat on Marble Avenue and a Victorian Haunt photo opportunity at the Brown House Welcome Center.

Cyclists can gear up for the 16th annual Trick It Up Bike Ride from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Historic Onion Shed, 154 S. Main St. in Farmersville. Routes range from 22 to 60 miles, and riders are encouraged to add a Halloween touch to their bikes or costumes. Registration is $60 at bikereg.com or the day of the event. 

Then on Halloween night, the Farmersville Chamber of Commerce hosts Scare on the Square from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at McKinney and Main. Families can expect candy, games and entertainment.

In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Education Center will wrap up the season Saturday, Nov. 1, by hosting its annual Fall Festival & Pumpkin Toss at 3430 Skyview Drive, Wylie. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with vendors, music, raffles and food for purchase. The big cats get their pumpkins at 2 p.m. Admission is $17 for adults, $12 for children ages 4-12 and seniors, and free for children 3 and under.n 3 and under.

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