Two spooky staples are returning for this month, as Oakdale residents can enjoy a driving tour of Halloween-themed decorated homes and businesses, and kids of all ages will enjoy the parade downtown on Friday, Oct. 31.

Local homes and businesses will transform into haunted attractions as part of the Oakdale Halloween House Drive-By, scheduled for Oct. 24 through Oct. 31.

Organizers are encouraging residents to decorate porches, lawns and storefronts “in the coolest, creepiest, cutest, craziest, or most terrifying way possible,” according to the event flyer. Decorations will be available for public viewing nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“This is no contest, just fun,” the flyer indicates. A drive-by list and map of participating locations will be released Oct. 17.

Residents who wish to participate can text their address and phone number to Amy Velasco at 209-840-2273. All decorations must be ready by Oct. 24 and remain on display through Halloween night.

The Oakdale Halloween House Drive-By is a community event designed for safe, family-friendly holiday fun.

Also, the City of Oakdale’s Annual Halloween Parade and Festival is on the calendar as well, set for Friday, Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

This free family-friendly event is the perfect time to play kid-friendly games, participate in the costume contest, enjoy free food, and get a family picture at the photo booth – all put on by community partners.

On Halloween, the parade will begin at 5 p.m. at the Youth Building, on the corner of West H Street and Gilbert Avenue. The parade will end at the Gene Bianchi Community Center Plaza on South Second Avenue, which is where the festival will take place. The event will end at 7 p.m., giving attendees plenty of time to go our Trick-or-Treating from there. All are encouraged to get their costumes ready and take part in this City of Oakdale tradition.