I think one of the best parts about the beginning of fall is the weather, the smells, and the changing leaves that come along with it. If you have a view of Flag Mountain, then you’ve been watching the leaves begin to change since mid-September. The late monsoons brought much needed rain to our area and families have reaped the benefits of a prolific piñon harvest. Now, it’s time to gather wood if you haven’t already, and get prepared for the next few months of impending holidays… beginning with Halloween!
I have fond memories of Halloween at my house, growing up. We always started trick-or-treating early in the evening and were home just before it got dark. My siblings and I would dump out our candy on the living room floor and begin to make trades. Reese’s, peanut M&M’s, and Snickers were always a high-value trade.
I remember my mom gathering candy in large pumpkin dishes and anxiously awaiting the trick-or-treaters’ arrival—some we’d recognize and some we didn’t. Some were just learning to walk, all of them were hoping we might be one of those houses that gave out full-sized candy bars.
As a parent now, I take my children around to a few houses and allow them to show off their costumes of superheroes and quintessential princess costumes. They too have begun to trade candies. and make their candy last for months, hidden in stashes throughout the house.
This year there is no shortage of community events.
The Village of Questa Trunk-or-Treat has been a tradition now for more than five years for Questa and surrounding communities. Many local businesses and other entities join in on the fun, decorating their car trunks and offering kids candy, games, and treats. And it’s free, sponsored by the village. Last year the event saw about 250 visitors and had 32 participants hosting the event. This year’s date is Friday, November 1, at the Questa Business Park, off Hwy 522, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Join Roots and Wings Community School for their Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 19 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 35 La Lama Road in Questa. This is an event for the whole family with arts and crafts, games, raffles, live music, and refreshments.
Mark your calendars for an evening of more fall family fun at Questa River Fest, hosted by the River Community Church on Saturday, October 26 from 5-7 p.m. at 65 S. Kiowa Road. Admission is free to enjoy live music by Alto, hayrides, carnival games, inflatables, bumper cars, food/drinks, prizes, and more! For more information Rachel@rccquesta.org, or call (281) 732-8263.
The Amalia Neighborhood Association will be hosting their Annual Halloween Party on Sunday, October 27, starting at 3 p.m. with their Trunk-or-Treat at the Amalia Community Center.
A free Children’s Halloween Carnival is being held at the Red River Conference Center on October 31 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Families can expect games, prizes, dinner, crafts, and dance music provided by DJ JP! Although this is a free event, donations are appreciated and go towards the Red River Valley Charter School Ski Days. If you are interested in donating or volunteering for the event, contact Jenny Church at (575) 770-9896.
Questa’s 35th Cambalache Harvest Festival is taking place on Sunday, October 6 from 10am – 5pm in conjunction with the last day of the Questa Farmers Market. Attendees will celebrate the end of the harvest season with live music, traditional foods, art vendors, kids crafts, the annual Quetta Vigil Memorial Frito Pie Eating Contest, and the dramatic burning of the Cucui. Located at the outdoor community market at the Questa Visitor Center. For more information contact Cynthia Rael-Vigil at (575) 779-9249.
Many of our locals attend the Town of Taos Halloween Community Event on Taos Plaza, where treats are handed out to trick-or-treaters. This free community event takes place on Thursday, October 31, from 3 to 6 p.m.
