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Jefferson Halloween celebration spread out over 2 days
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Halloween fun
  • The Jefferson High School Drama Dragons will present Dr. Franko’s Hallowfest on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the JHS performing arts center. Tickets will be available at the door for $7 for adults and $5 for students. Doors will open at 7 p.m.
  • The annual Jefferson Halloween Walk will be from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Friday in downtown Jefferson. The event is free and open to children up to the age of 12. All children are required to be accompanied by an adult and are encouraged to wear a costume.
JEFFERSON — Halloween may fall just once a year, but in Jefferson, residents have found a way to create a multi-day celebration.

The holiday kicks off on Thursday when the Jefferson High School Drama Dragons presents “Dr. Franko’s Hallowfest.”

The event will include a one-act play, a Halloween costume contest and a scary “jump” story.

“Everyone is encouraged to dress for the occasion; prizes will be awarded for best costumes,” said Roger Bright, head of the high school drama department.

The play, “Anybody for Tea,” is a comedy-mystery by C.B. Gilford. In the play, Detective Dennis O’Finn is investigating the death of an elderly woman when he discovers that he is the motive for the murder. As it turns out, six women, all of whom are in love with O’Finn, stage the homicide to lure him to visit and contemplate a repeat performance to keep O’Finn around.

“(Anybody for Tea) is a lot of fun with plenty of laughs,” said Bright.

“But the highlight of the evening will be a tribute to Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller.’ The dance will be performed by 50 JHS drama students.”

The Halloween celebration will continue Friday with the annual Halloween Walk in downtown Jefferson. The event is open to children up to 12 years old.

During the walk, downtown business owners give out candy. Other area business owners also venture downtown to be a part of the festivities, said Beth Laughinghouse, Mainstreet Jefferson program manager.

“This is a big community event. Everyone gets involved. The Jefferson Fire Department is even bringing out a truck to park along the route to give out candy,” she said. “We’re also having a decorating contest for downtown businesses. Mainstreet (Jefferson) and the Jefferson Area Business Association will be giving out a $100 prize to the winner.”

Members of the Jefferson High School Health Occupations Students of America organization will offer face painting, with proceeds being donated to charity.

For the event that draws such a large crowd, usually around 3,000 participants, safety is a major concern.

“Because it is on public streets and there is still traffic going, we ask that all children be accompanied by an adult. Police officers will be placed strategically along the route and they will help everyone cross the street in safe places,” said Laughinghouse.

“Safety is a big issue. I can’t stress enough how important it is for parents to keep a hold on their kids and to make sure that they stay on the sidewalk.”