This is a question we get asked a lot, but there’s not an “official” answer! Local governments in Raeford and Hoke County don’t typically set “official” trick-or-treating hours. Unofficially, most people in the area tend to go out with their little ghosts and goblins on Halloween night around the time the sun starts to set for maximum spookiness. Though, plenty of folks who hand out candy start a little earlier – like 5:30 p.m. or so, after getting home from work. Halloween is Monday, October 31.

There are also trunk-or-treat events coming up in the community, including several taking place before Halloween if trick-or-treating on a Monday night isn’t convenient.

•Sandhills Community College, Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce and Manna Church are holding the Unity in the Community Razzle-Dazzle Trunk or Treat Saturday, October 29 from 1-4 p.m. The trunk-or-treat will be at Raz Autry Stadium at Hoke County High School, 505 South Bethel Road in Raeford. For more information email mcallisterr@sandhills.edu, hackettto@sandhills.edu, info@rhchamber.com or raefordoutreach@gmail.com.

•HCC Pharmacy will host a trunk-or-treat October 28 from 5-7 p.m. at 402 South Main Street in Raeford. There will be best costume awarded for first, second and third place. There will be several food trucks at the location including Goins Kitchen, Lumbee Bloomin’ Onions and more.  There will be free candy, and face painting.

•Sandy Grove United Methodist Church will hold its Fall Festival Saturday, October 29 at the church from 4-7 p.m. There will be free outdoor games, a hayride and hot dog dinner. Trunk-or-treating will start at 6 p.m. The church is located at 6800 Arabia Road in Lumber Bridge.

•The First Baptist Church of Raeford in partnership with Hoke County Parks and Recreation, Raeford Police Department and Hoke County Sheriff’s Office will hold Light the Night on Halloween, October 31 from 6-8 p.m. at the old Armory ballpark on East Central Avenue. The evening offers a trunk-or-treat, bounce houses, a cake walk, hot dogs and popcorn for free.

Dogs and smoking are not allowed at the park. Call First Baptist Church of Raeford for more info, (910) 875-3508.