Have yourself a spooktacular Halloween at these local events

Halloween is around the corner, and there are plenty of local events to ensure you have a spooktacular time this Oct. 31.

Sumter Methodist Church's pumpkin patch is now open. Pick the perfect gourd for celebrating fall at the church, 535 Wilson Hall Road. All proceeds support nonprofit organizations in our community. Special groups by appointment only. The patch is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 6 p.m.; Wednesday from 8 to 10 a.m. and noon to 6 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

It's that time of year again. Poinsett State Park Campground is hosting a family-friendly Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 2 to 5 p.m. This annual event is held in partnership with Carolina Camping Club at 6660 Poinsett Park Road, Wedgefield. Wear your costume, decorate your campsite, and enjoy a campfire and activities on this fall night.

Experience a fall day in the 1800s in South Carolina during the Backcountry Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. "Step back in time and experience life in the Carolina Backcountry around 1800. Follow the trail through the homestead, with stops featuring historical interpreters, hands-on activities and fall traditions from the past," according to Sumter Museum. There will be festive treats for everyone, with all ages welcome and free admission. The Carolina Backcountry is at the museum, 122 N. Washington St.

Save the date for Alice Drive Baptist Church's annual Family Fall Festival! On Oct. 25, the community is invited to the Loring Mill Campus from 4 to 6 p.m. to enjoy Treat Street, inflatables, snacks, food trucks at cost, and fun.

Calling all the girls, guys and ghouls, Sumter Police Department will host its annual Trick or Treat with Sumter's Superheroes on Friday, Oct. 30, at Crosswell Drive Elementary School, 301 Crosswell Drive. The event will feature Sumter Fire Department, Sumter County EMS, Sumter County Department of Juvenile Justice and S.C. Highway Patrol. The event begins at 6 p.m. and is open to the public.

Spend Halloween evening at Petoberfest this year for a safe, family-friendly holiday that will benefit Sumter SPCA. Visit the shelter at 1100 S. Guignard Drive from 4 to 7 p.m. that night for trick-or-treating, free Bark Park for the dogs, local vendors, furry friends and more. Everything is free. For more information, call the SPCA at (803) 773-9292. If you'd like to be a vendor, text Angel Hankins at (803) 840-5822 for vendor information.

Bring your basket and your costumes, as Sumter County Sheriff's Office invites families to its Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 2 to 5 p.m. at 1281 N. Main St. The event will include hot dogs, popcorn, chips, cotton candy, drinks and plenty of candy.

Taste the sweet success of a good treat at Sweet Success Bakery's Ghost and Goodies on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 8 p.m. at 27 S. Washington St. Join in on this event where eerie vibes meet tasty treats. Whether you're a ghost story lover or a candy fanatic, you can hang out, indulge and enjoying some chilling delights.

VFW Post 3034 Sumter is hosting a Halloween Trunk or Treat on Friday, Oct. 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. Bring the whole family for a spooktacular evening of Halloween fun. The post invites everyone in the community to come out, bring the kids, wear your favorite costumes and enjoy a safe and fun-filled Halloween evening with veterans and the VFW family. If you would like to decorate a trunk and hand out candy, contact VFW Post 3034 at (803) 773-3090 to sign up.

This year, Silverpaper is introducing a fundraising Sumter Witches Ride, a family-friendly Halloween event that will benefit Crosswell Children's Home. Join the business downtown at Lollibear, 101 N. Main St., for this 5K bike ride on Oct. 31 at 9 a.m. There will be a festival after at La Piazza. There will be live music, Halloween festivities and family fun. Register for the bike ride at https://strictlyrunning.com/gpuilreg-8l.asp.