Cities plan Halloween festivals, paranormal events

Communities in Iowa, Massachusetts, Georgia and California are marking Halloween with family-friendly festivals as well as paranormal-themed activities. West Union’s Oct. 24 Monster Mash Dash and Fall Festival will raise donations for German/NFV Exchange travel costs, with a paved two-mile run, costume contest and other activities. Plymouth’s October lineup includes ghost tours, fireside folklore, a séance, psychic readings and children’s costume events, while Macon’s Oct. 16–17 Paranor-Macon convention will feature paranormal investigators, Bigfoot-focused sessions and a ghost hunt. Monterey Park’s free Oct. 15 Monster Mash offers games, trick-or-treating and entertainment, and Somerville’s Oct. 18 celebration will include a costume parade, pumpkin carving, food vendors and live music.