BOO! It’s a scary Hallo-weekend in Redmond.

It’s hard to believe that Fall is upon us once again and 2009 will soon be only a memory. As a child I trick or treated throughout the neighborhoods of Redmond – trying to avoid those houses that repeatedly gave out raisins or pencils, and doubling back to the houses that handed out the king size Butterfingers and KitKats. Now that I am a mother, I see the fall season just a little differently, though I still long for a king size candy bar now and then.

Fall is not just about candy and costumes, but also about appreciating the changing of the leaves, the crisp air, the preparations for winter, and spending time with your loved ones. When I start feeling nostalgic, I know it’s time to enjoy some fun events and plan a family weekend. I’ve spent quite a few years enjoying all the fall activities and events in Redmond. This year holds some oldies but goodies, and some great new fun experiences for young, old and in between.

Who doesn’t love a Zombie dance? On the weekend before Halloween, in cities throughout the world, there are Zombie Block Parties. This year, the Redmond Zombies will be out as they attempt to break the world record for simultaneous dance. Starting late in the afternoon, the Zombie Block Party promises a good time, great music, fun food and the biggest simultaneous “Thriller” dance that Redmond, and hopefully the world, has ever seen. I can’t wait to try this one out!

Want to do something a little different this year? Me too. With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, I’m planning a Hallo-weekend in Redmond for my family. Friday night we’ll be checking in to one of Redmond’s great hotels (see their current specials I’m taking advantage of). Early that evening, I’ll begin the fun for all of us when I drop my teenage mutant off at The Old Firehouse. He’ll be attending the pre-Halloween Monster Mosh while the rest of us finish preparing our costumes at one of my favorite local costume shops. At the Monster Mosh he’ll dance to some great local bands, hang out with friends, and get a chance to have his first “grown up” Halloween party with the ghouls of his choice.

On Halloween day we’ll start the morning off with a hearty breakfast and head over to either Serres or South 47 farms for a fun hayride and walk through the corn maze. Both farms produce seasonal fruits and veggies that are and delicious, and there’s no better place to get the feeling of the fall season in your own backyard. Later we’ll head out for a late lunch and a movie.

As a mom, I have to multi-task. Since I have some shopping to do for my date night later that evening, my little one will enjoy her Trick or Treat time while I find that just right dress for my evening out. I’ve found no safer or easier way to take my little ghoul out for some candy grabbing action than at Redmond Town Center merchants Trick or Treat event. And Mommy gets some girly time on the side.

Since the teenage mutant in our family needs to spend some quality time with his ghastly buddies, we’ll take him over The Old Firehouse again for “El Dia De Los Muertos”. Starting mid evening, he’ll be getting a fun lesson in history while they create sugar skulls, altars and and eat traditional foods and treats of this centuries-old celebration.

Later that evening, Hubby and I can leave our darling zombie children at the hotel with a spooky movie while we head out for a dinner. This year we have booked a table at Redmond’s Pomegranate Bistro where we’ll dine on our favorite fall treats. Later we can take a walk through town and crunch leaves under our feet and hold hands to stay warm.

All in all, our family has planned for a lot of new memories in our Hallo-weekend. I hope I have given you some great ideas to plan yours. I hope that like me, you get more candy than raisins in your bag this year. Happy Halloween, everyone.