The City of Boulder encourages safe Halloween weekend.

The City of Boulder encourages community members to have an enjoyable and safe Halloween weekend.

In celebration of its 16^th Anniversary, the HOP is making getting around town a snap. The HOP will offer free rides to all residents and visitors from 9 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, Oct. 30, and from 10 a.m. to midnight on Sunday, Oct. 31. After midnight on Saturday and Sunday, the Silver, Black and Gold Late Night Transit services, which use HOP buses, will continue offering free service until 3 a.m.

Not only is public transportation a safer option for revelers, but it may be the less complicated one in terms of parking, as well. The city-owned garages at 15^th and Pearl streets, at 11^th and Spruce streets, near RTD at 14^th and Walnut streets, at the St. Julien-1000 Walnut Street and at the Randolph Center-1100 Walnut Street will close to incoming vehicles at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30, reopening at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31.  The same schedule will apply to the surface lot at 11^th and Spruce streets. Vehicles already parked in the garages or in that lot will be allowed to exit throughout the evening, but no additional cars will be allowed to park during that time period.

The Boulder Police Department will be fully staffed both Saturday, Oct. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 31. Officers would like to let the community know that they will be taking a strict enforcement approach to any state and/or municipal violations. Pursuant to an extension of 5-7-9 B.R.C., 1981, all alcohol containers on the Pearl Street Mall, both open and closed, will be prohibited on Saturday and Sunday.

Parents are encouraged to accompany all young children while trick or treating. The following are some additional safety tips that families may find helpful:

• Make a decision to trick or treat at the homes of relatives or other people you know
• Let someone know what route you will be taking and when you expect to return
• Make sure you and your children are wearing reflective clothing or carrying lights that make you visible after dark
• Be cautious about candy or treats provided by people you do not know
• If your child is wearing a mask, be sure he/she can see through the eye holes and be aware that some footwear with costumes can pose tripping hazards
• Remember that candles pose a fire risk; do not leave them burning unattended
• If anything makes you feel uncomfortable or suspicious, call police dispatch at 303-441-3333 or in an emergency, call 9-1-1
• SOURCE:  city press release

Fun Halloween family activities crop up all weekend in Boulder

Looking for something unspookably fun to do this weekend with your family in Boulder? There’s no shortage of options as City of Boulder departments gear up for Halloween festivities. Here’s a rundown of low-cost and free family-centered programs. Ghosts, goblins, or as the case may be, Godzillas, are welcome at all of them.

Friday, Oct. 29

“Creatures of the Night” Halloween Carnival – South Boulder Recreation Center

The South Boulder Recreation Center will host the “Creatures of the Night” Halloween Carnival from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29. The South Boulder Recreation Center is located at 1360 Gillaspie Drive. This indoor event is open to all children ages 1 to 7 (older siblings are also welcome) and admission is $5 per child. There will be carnival games, crafts, snacks, prizes and a wizard bounce house. All participants are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. To register, visit www.BoulderParks-Rec.organd click the “Halloween Carnival Oct. 29” link, or pay at the door.

Saturday, Oct. 30

Children’s Halloween concert at Farmer’s Market

The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) department will conduct a free children’s Halloween concert at the Boulder County Farmer’s Market. The concert begins at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30, at 1770 13^th St. in Boulder. The educational concert features OSMP staff Jeff Kagan and Paige Doughty as well as Coyote Bob and other mascots. “It will be a lot of fun for kids. And you just might learn something about Boulder’s wildlife,” said Jeff Kagan, OSMP outreach specialist. “We hope everyone wears their costumes.”

Dinosaur Days at Chautauqua trailhead

The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) department will be hosting full-sized dinosaurs skeleton replicas from CU’s Science Discovery Program as an education program at Chautauqua Park, 900 Baseline Road. People can stop by anytime between noon and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30. “This event is a great way to learn about the thunder-lizards that used to live in Boulder,” said Dave Sutherland, naturalist for the City’s OSMP department. “Come with lots of questions.”

The program is suitable for all ages, including young children.  Dinosaur costumes are especially encouraged.

Sunday, Oct. 31

Munchkin Masquerade on the Pearl Street Mall

Bring your costumed kiddos to the annual Pearl Street Mall Munchkin Masquerade from 2 to 5 p.m. for a safe trick-or-treating environment with lots of candy and memorable moments for all.

Trick or Treat on Our Streets/Broadway (Pine to Iris) Reconstruction Project dedication

As part of the 15^th annual Trick-or-Treat on Our Streets event at the Community Plaza and Ideal Broadway shops located on Broadway and Alpine Avenue, the city will host a dedication ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 31 at 2:30 p.m. for the Broadway (Pine to Iris) Reconstruction Project.

The dedication event will include a brief introduction by City of Boulder Mayor Susan Osborne, followed by members of the city transportation project team.  In the event of inclement weather, the back-up location for the project dedication will be in the Gene Wilson Conference room located at 1155 Alpine Ave. entrance to Boulder Community Hospital.

The Trick-or-Treat on Our Streets event, from 1 to 5 p.m., will also include:

• trick-or-treating at participating merchant establishments;
• fun family activities and gift certificate drawing at Ideal Market;
• free bike tune-ups from Sports Garage at Ideal Market; and
• live music, a climbing wall, and outdoor vendor giveaways and refreshments along Alpine Avenue.

(Please note: Alpine Avenue between 13^th Street and Broadway will be closed for this event.)

Halloween concert at Boulder Public Library

Start your Halloween fun early with this free, action-packed Halloween concert at the Main Boulder Public Library from 4 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31, in the Canyon Theater.  Boulder singer-songwriter favorites Mary Sue & Cari will get kids ready for trick-or-treating as they lead everyone in songs that have participants cackling like a witch, spinning like a spider, and howling like a ghost. Costumes are encouraged!

Nia Halloween Jam at East Boulder Community Center

The Parks and Recreation Department will host a Nia Halloween Jam for adults (age 16+) from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31, at East Boulder Community Center. There will be costume prizes and food. The event is free with admission to the recreation center (punch card, annual pass or $6.25 daily admission fee).

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