Candies, costumes and kids

There were clowns and motorcycle riders, witches and fortune-tellers and appearances by Marilyn Monroe and Dorothy from the "Wizard of Oz" at Trick-or-Treat Time at the Northern Nevada Children's Museum Sunday night.

Oh, and the children were dressed up, too.

More than 600 people turned out for the first of two nights of face- painting, cookie-decorating and trick-or-treating at the 13th annual fundraiser for the museum.

"It's a fun place to come, and it's a safe place for children. Plus the adults have as much fun as the children," said Penny Holbrook, museum board member.

Laura Hutchinson of Reno was making her second trip to the event with 5-year-old daughter Madison.

"We came here last year and had so much fun that we came back and brought friends with us," said Hutchinson.

Seven-year-old Halee Gahr of Stagecoach looked devilishly good in her costume and took advantage of everything the museum had to offer.

"I like the fortune-teller best," said Halee.

As for her favorite part of Halloween - she hasn't quite made up her mind.

"I like dressing up ... well, sometimes (my favorite part) is the candy," said Halee.

April Heaton said she came because her family is a member of the museum and her sons enjoy riding on the train.

"They like the train; they could ride on that thing for an hour," said Heaton.

But at the moment, 1-year-old Ben and 3-year-old Jeremy seemed more interested in adding more chocolate chips to the cookies they were decorating than hitting the rails.

Overall, Holbrook said it's the 40-plus volunteers who make the event a success.

"Are you kidding? We couldn't do it without them, they are so important," Holbrook said.

n Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.

If you go

What: Trick-or-treat Time event featuring face-painting, pumpkin- decorating, fortune-telling and lots of candy.

Where: Northern Nevada Children's Museum, 813 N. Carson St.

When: 6-8 p.m. tonight

Price: $3 for children; adults get in free. Polaroid pictures for $2.

Halloween events

CARSON CITY

Today

Trick-or-treating at the Governor's Mansion, 606 N. Mountain St., from 4:30-9 p.m.

TOPS Halloween Party 5:30-7:30 p.m., Take Off Pounds Sensibly Support Group, 138 E. Long St., Suite C. Join the local chapter of TOPS for Halloween fun. Call 775-841-4929.

VIRGINIA CITY

Goblin Parade, travels down C Street, with Safe Trick-or-Treating to 9 p.m. Parade registration at 4 p.m., line-up at 4:30, parade at 5. Cash prizes for best costumes - adult and child. Also for best float and animal entry. Call 847-0311.

Virginia City's Witching Hours at Piper's Opera House, Fourth Ward School and Silver Terrace Cemetery from 6-9 p.m. Tickets sold only at Piper's Opera House beginning at 5 p.m. Adult $20; child $10; family $40. Call 847-0311.

Tips for a safe

Halloween

n When selecting or making costumes, use only fire-resistant materials and has large eye holes to allow good peripheral vision. If the costume contains props, make sure they are flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on.

n Instruct children to never go into a home or car of a stranger.

n Make sure children carry a flashlight or glow stick or have reflective materials on costumes to make them more visible.

n Plan a safe trick-or-treat route that includes stopping only at familiar houses in their own neighborhood. Have an established return time, and make sure children understand the importance of being home on time.

n If possible trick-or-treat in groups, staying in well-lit areas and populated places and avoiding cutting through back alleys and fields.

n Instruct children not to eat any treats until they are brought home to be inspected by an adult.

n Explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism.