U.S. Halloween Events, Haunted Attractions, Recycling

TV mystery-comedy Elsbeth goes all out for Halloween in the episode "Ick, a Bod," featuring a dismembered body found in a suburban maze and guest star Annaleigh Ashford, airing Thursday on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Local haunted-attraction coverage highlights Lawrence’s Historic Eldridge Hotel — notably Room 506 and the Crystal Ballroom, tied to Col. Shalor W. Eldridge — and live scares at the 13th Floor Haunted House in Regency. Family-friendly activities include the University of Alabama’s Halloween Extravaganza, Fremont’s trunk-or-treat and mayor-judged decorating contest, DeKalb Public Library’s children’s costume parades, and planned downtown trick-or-treating, mobile costume contests and Boo Bashes in Yadkinville and Boonville. Some towns, such as Jonesville, already held Trails and Treats events. Communities are also promoting sustainable post-Halloween disposal with pumpkin-smash and “pumpkin pummeling” composting events at St. Charles Public Works and nature centers including Hidden Oaks and Plum Creek to keep pumpkins out of landfills.