READY FOR FALL — Steubenville schools will host autumn activities this week, including a trunk-or-treat at Harding Middle School. Last year, costume-wearing students visited 40 participating cars and received candy. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Autumn has arrived and those in the Steubenville City School District are preparing events this week in recognition of Halloween. East Garfield Elementary School will hold a trunk-or-treat event from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. today. Children adorned in various costumes will trek through the campus collecting candy from vehicles parked outside and from participating community members involved with the event.

McKinley STEM Academy is planning a “spooktacular” Haunted Hallway Family Fun Night, set from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday.

Organizer Melissa Freshwater explained fall festivities are held every year; however, this time, officials have put a new spin on them with the addition of haunted hallways.

“The purpose of McKinley STEM’s Family Fun Night is to bring our school community together for a fun, engaging evening that celebrates creativity, teamwork and school spirit,” Freshwater said. “This event gives students a chance to proudly share their hard work decorating the hallways, while families experience the excitement and pride of our school community. By joining in the fun, families strengthen their connection with McKinley STEM and see the value of hands-on, collaborative learning that happens every day.”

Approximately 300 people usually attend this free event, according to organizers, who noted students and family members participate and purchase various goodies, including from area food trucks.

“Our McKinley STEM staff and students have been working hard to transform our hallways into a spooktacular Halloween adventure,” Freshwater continued. “Students are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costumes and come walk through our haunted hallways — if they dare! There just might be a few scary surprises lurking around every corner. Each McKinley student will receive a special treat bag after making their way through the halls.”

Those at Harding Middle School are preparing for its own trunk-or-treat event, set to be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. The event will be open to those in grades fourth through sixth.

“We opened it to the fourth grade to expose them to the middle school and invited community members to participate,” stated Shay Greiner, a social worker at Harding.

Activities were planned by teacher Tracy Ziarko, and the school’s Parent/Family Involvement Solutions Team. Students are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween attire and enjoy collecting candy from decorated vehicles. Among the businesses, organizations and residents who will be passing out treats, will be the Steubenville Fire Department, Domino’s Pizza and the Osaba family, as well as teachers. Food trucks will be on site.

“It grows a little each year,” Greiner exclaimed. “Last year, we had about 40 trunks and between 200 to 300 people. It was pretty successful. Right now, we’re looking for about 30 trunks and the community members can also donate candy.”

Candy donations can be dropped off at Harding’s main office, Greiner noted. Those planning to participate during the event are asked to prepare between 400 to 500 pieces of candy for attendees.