Events offer family Halloween fun

Families and singles will have choices on Halloween night as the Cy-Fair community gears up for the annual celebration.

All ages will find something to do on Oct. 31 at area churches, haunted houses and special events.

Copperfield Church, Cypress United Methodist Church and Foundry United Methodist Church are hosting parties that showcase family entertainment.

Foundry United Methodist will continue the fall festival that has been a tradition for more than 20 years, complete with giveaways, inflatables, a mechanical bull and a trackless train.

Linda Zelenka, pastor of women and connections at Foundry, said there is something for everyone.

An estimated 1,500 to 2,000 are expected to attend.

"This is a successful outreach program for the community. It's a lot of fun. We'll have games similar to Minute To Win It and giveaways like skateboards, bicycles and a NANO touch. We want this to be for the entire family," Zelenka said.

Sheryll Dwyer, children's minister at Copperfield Church, said the annual fall festival will include carnival games, face painting, an illusionist and live entertainment.

"This is a free admission event where everyone can come out and meet their neighbors. We've done this for years. We want to invite everyone to come out. It's a fun evening," Dwyer said.

Sarah Holbrook at Cypress United Methodist encouraged visitors to come in costume for the Trunk or Treat event benefiting the church's special-needs ministry.

For a small entry fee, families can enter their cars in the decorating contest. Children will go from car to car for "trunk or treat" she said.

"It's a lot of fun. We'll have prizes for the best car. It's a great night to hang out with families," Holbrook said.

For a bit of a scare, Phobia Haunted House at 18777 U.S. 290 will be open from 7 to 11 p.m with eight scary attractions.

They include The Darke Institute, Mind Control, 3D Clown Phobia, ClaustroPhobia, Dawn of the Machine, Simon Fowler Woods, DarkeWorld and Mania.

For information, visit www.darke.com

Other fall fun can be had at Hoop-A-Rama from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at 12802 McSwain Lane in Cypress with Houston Spin Stars founder Kirsten Tucker. Call 713-494-9655.

Debbie's Garden and Farmer's Market, 20806 Hempstead Road in Cypress, will host its Cypress "Sunday Bazaar" from 12 to 4 p.m. with a Texas-sized pumpkin patch.

For more information, visit the website at www.localharvest.org