Swimmers survive haunted pools

More than 200 families risked the shark- and pirate-infested waters and plucked pumpkins from the floating patch during the Carson Valley Swim Center’s second annual Haunted Pools Saturday.

Each pool had a different theme during the event.

During the day, the pools were filled with more than 150 pumpkins and families swam around with the pumpkins before choosing their favorite one to take home.

The swim center closed at 3 p.m. and reopened in the evening into a haunted scene.

Pirates defended their ship, an inflatable widget, in the lap pool while a canyon shot balls into the pool.

Swimmers avoided sharks in the therapy pool, blood bags and syringes hung over the activity pool, and bodies hung from the slide tower.

Carson Valley Swim Center’s Aquatic Supervisor Sarah Davenport is the mastermind behind the themes and costumes, while the decorations and setup is a collaborative effort by staff and lifeguards.

“It’s become a popular event and everyone gets real into it,” said Carson Valley Swim Center Director Shannon Harris.

Harris said the swim center plans to continue bringing fun, family-friendly, events to the center.

The next big event at the Carson Valley Swim Center is Under Water Santa on Dec. 14.

More Halloween events

Wind Down Wednesday 

Trick or Treat with the vendors at Wind Down Wednesday 4-8 p.m. today. The volunteers of Heritage Park Gardens will be hosting a variety of kid-friendly activities during the event. There will also be a bounce house, live music and food vendors.

Halloween Toddler Time

Children 9 months to 5 years old can trick or treat the Douglas County Community and Senior Center during Toddler Time 9-11 a.m. Thursday. Come dressed in costume and ready to trick or treat by 10:30 a.m. Cost, $3 per child.

Misery

Presented by Black ice Theatre and partnered with the Carson Valley Community Theatre, Steven King’s “Misery” is on stage at the CVIC Hall. Opening night begins 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25. Shows continue 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26. Nov. 1 and Nov 2. Matinee 2 p.m. Oct. 27, Nov. 2, Nov. 3. Halloween showing 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31.

Trick or Treat with seniors

The Chateau Senior and Memory Care is hosting a trick or treat for preschoolers starting at 10 a.m. Oct. 31. The Chateau is inviting preschools to visit the assisted living and memory care centers of the facility where the patients can enjoy the children dressed up in costume and hand out candy.

All About Dance 

All About Dance is hosting a Truck or Treat and haunted house in the Ironwood parking lot 4-7 p.m. Oct. 31. There will be a spooky maze and a “not spooky” maze.

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

A Trunk or Treat hosted by Partnership of Douglas County and Douglas County Sheriffs Explorers Post 2105 is 3-8 p.m. Oct. 31 at The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. There will be games, music, and more Halloween fun. This is in place of the Safety Street.

Dia De Los Muertos Festival 

The third annual Dia de los Muertos Festival is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 2 at Heritage Park. Presented by Main Street Gardnerville, Douglas County Community Services, the Carson Valley Arts Council, and the Latino Arte and Culture of Reno, the celebration features Mariachi music, Folkloric, Aztec Dancers, arts and crafts, face painting, Altars, food venders, and a 12-foot Catrina doll.