Yuma Territorial Prison revives tradition with trick or treating, pumpkin contest
For immediate release
YUMA, ARIZONA - For decades, the Yuma Territorial Prison hosted a community Halloween event with kids trick or treating through the spooky cell block of the historic prison.
With the prison park now under local management, the tradition is "rising from the grave" this year, with a call for local businesses and nonprofits to decorate a cell and hand out candy or other treats to children 12 and under.
The event is set for 5:30 - 8 p.m. on Halloween, Oct. 31. Proceeds from the admission fee of $1 per person will go to Crossroads Mission.
Cell hosts are encouraged to dress in costumes -- and decorations are only limited by your imagination (along with general safety rules, e.g. no open flames or sharp objects).
Your business or organization can help bring this tradition back to life by hosting a cell and welcoming the kids of Yuma. To sign up or for more info, please call Stephanie Caraway at the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area at 373-5196, or e-mail Stephanie.Caraway@Yumaaz.gov.
The Territorial Prison is also launching a new tradition this year with "The Great Pumpkin Extravaganza," a creative contest that's open to pumpkin artists of all ages.
Pumpkins may be carved or embellished in any manner, but all entries must be dropped off at the prison by 2 p.m. October 31 for judging & display. Battery-powered lights will be provided to illuminate your masterpiece, but pumpkins will not be returned following the event.
First, second and third prizes will be awarded in each of these categories: Adult (18 and older), Youth (ages 13-17), Kids (ages 7-12) and "Punkins" (age 6 and under).
Both the Yuma Territorial Prison (783-4771) and the Yuma Quartermaster Depot and Visitor Information Center (783-0071) are now open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week through the winter season.
Yuma Visitors Bureau markets the Yuma area -- and its historic parks -- within the travel and tourism industry and to the general public.
Ann Walker, 928-376-0100 (office), 928-210-9044 (cell), ann@visityuma.com
202 S. 1st Avenue, Suite 202, Yuma, Arizona 85364 / www.visityuma.com
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