<p> Kids of all ages annually enjoy "Watch for the Witch" trick-or-treating on Main Street in Joseph.</p>

Wallowa County communities are observing Halloween this year with a variety of events and activities for costumed youngsters to enjoy. Following are family-oriented activities planned for the unofficial holiday.

Liberty Grange

Halloween Party

Liberty Grange will host its annual Halloween Potluck and Party Saturday, Oct. 29, at the grange hall (southeast of Joseph) on Liberty Road. The potluck will start at 5:30 p.m. in the basement, with action moving upstairs for a party about 6:30 p.m.

A variety of games and activities are planned, with lots of prizes and goodies for all. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come in costume.

Watch for the Witch’

Joseph merchants once again invite youngsters to come trick-or-treating between 4 and 6 p.m. on Halloween, Monday, Oct. 31.

Families only have to look for colored witches in the windows of participating businesses in the popular “Watch for the Witch” event. The majority of Joseph’s Main Street businesses plan to participate.

Alpine House Trick-or-Treating

It’s hard to know who has more fun, the kids or the residents giving out candy during annual trick-or-treating at the Alpine House assisted-living home across from the rodeo grounds in Joseph.

Children in costume are invited to stop by between 6 and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31; the residents, also in costume, will give out treats from their individual bowls.

“They enjoy seeing the kids in their costumes. They get a kick out of it. And the residents have some pretty cute costumes themselves,” said manager Margo Peppers.

Chieftain Costume Contest

Kids will have a chance to show off (and be photographed in) their costumes at the office of the Wallowa County Chieftain in Enterprise between 3 and 6:30 p.m. on Halloween.

Photos of children in their costumes will go on the Chieftain website (www.wallowa.com) and readers will be able to vote on their favorite costume until Nov. 18. The winner will receive $50 from the Chieftain.

Stop by the office at 209 N. 1st St., Enterprise, for candy and to enter the contest.

All Saints Eve Party

The annual community All Saints Eve Party will be held at Enterprise’s Cloverleaf Hall, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., on Monday, Oct. 31. The event is free.

This popular celebration attracts hundreds of kids and their families every year. It features face painting, game booths, candy, popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs, cookies, a picture booth, door prizes, and much more. Organizers say costumes are welcomed, but they encourage “wholesome” costumes for the event.

The event is coordinated by the Enterprise Christian Church, assisted by the Enterprise Baptist Church and the Enterprise chapter of FCCLA.