As teenagers transition to adulthood, the Halloween season may seem less exciting. However, many teens may not know of the numerous seasonal activities available in the Fresno area.

The Patch, a Halloween fair, offers a collection of events. In addition to a traditional pumpkin patch, there are various food booths, games, activities and a haunted house shaped like a lizard.

The Patch prides itself on its reasonable and affordable deals, especially in a tight economy, according to manager Matt Williams.

“We have a pumpkin patch and the Halloween express store,” Williams said. “We have multiple rides for kids of all ages. We also have games and food, along with karaoke on the week nights, and live music on the weekends. And admittance is only one dollar.”

For those who view Halloween as a time to enjoy with friends, the corn maze at Cobb Ranch is an option. As this year is the last for the famous maze, its creators promise to construct the most difficult maze yet.

Cobb Ranch is a historical site in the Valley which seasonally contributes to the community through everything from Christmas trees to the corn maze.

Cobb’s Ranch Corn Maze will run until Oct. 31. It is open Monday through Friday from 6-9 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

A different approach to celebrating the season is to volunteer at or attend a church’s trunk-or-treat event. Instead of wandering from house to house for sweets, a trunk-or-treat allows children to collect candy from the decorated trunks of cars in a church parking lot.

Shirley Jacobsen, the grandparent of several young children, feels that this alternative is better than trick-or-treating.

“It is much safer and more controlled, and the kids seem to have a lot more fun,” Jacobsen said. “My grandkids have had a wonderful time at trunk-or-treat; they like seeing everyone dressed up.”

In addition to supplying a safe venue for children, trunk-or-treat events provide churches with an opportunity to minister to the community, according to Pastor Stephen Carlson of Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church.

“We do this to introduce them to our congregation and let them know that they are welcome,” Carlson said, “and that we would like them to become members of our church.”

From the traditional trick-or-treating to participating in a local event, Fresno offers a multitude of ways to celebrate this season. With the numerous options, few should experience a dull Halloween season.

For more coverage of community events, read the Oct. 20 article, Chaffee Zoo offers entertainment, experience.

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