Halloween and Fall Festivals are Back After Pandemic Hiatus

Community members are welcome to attend events at schools. Children must attend with an adult. Costumes should be appropriate to be seen by elementary school children.

  • Friday, Oct. 28th from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Durango High School in the courtyard – Varsity Cheerleading Team Fundraiser. $5 flat admission fee. Concessions, bowling, ring toss, a cupcake walk, costume contest, and coloring contest. 
  • Friday, Oct. 28, 5-7 p.m. at Animas Valley Elementary School – Fall Fest: Costumes, games, activities, food, silent auction, bake sale
  • Friday, Oct. 28, 5-7:30 p.m. at Needham Elementary School – Monster Bash: Games, music, prizes, dancing, and food trucks. Bring cash!
  • Saturday, Oct. 29, 5-7 p.m., Sunnyside Elementary School – Halloween Spooktacular: Games, dinner, haunted house, costume contest
  • Monday, Oct. 31, 1:40-1:55 p.m. – Halloween Costume Parade at Park Elementary School around Fanto Park 
  • Monday, Oct. 31, 7:50 a.m. – Halloween Costume Parade at Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School (for school families only)

If families plan to go trick-or-treating, we encourage special caution. There have been recent reports of “rainbow fentanyl” in the form of candy in our region. Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

Please check your specific school’s communication regarding costumes on Oct. 31.  While our district does not have an official policy regarding Halloween costumes, we ask that everyone be respectful and that costumes should not cross the line that might promote sexism, racism, or appropriating culture. Sometimes, even with good intent, or without even fully realizing it, people wear costumes that can make others feel upset, insulted or humiliated. Here are some guidelines to consider when selecting costumes that will be worn at school:

  • Students need to be identifiable and visible to ensure safety. Masks, coverings or make-up that results in staff being unable to identify students should not be worn.
  • Costumes that are provocative, revealing, sexual in nature or employ questionable props will not be permitted on school grounds.
  • Costumes that depict violence, alcohol or drugs are not appropriate. Fake weapons should not be brought to school.
  • Costumes should not be offensive or perpetuate a stereotype of someone’s culture, gender, heritage, or religion.
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