Rocket Federal Credit Union of McGregor, and The Exchange Event Center have teamed up this year to bring fall to Central Texas with Halloween fun and harvest happenings. On Oct. 31, vendors will be set up inside the event center for the third annual Hay Barn Halloween and in the parking lot to give away candy to costume-clad kids.
“[The Exchange] is the city designated trick-or-treat area,” said Cassie Thomas, Event Center Manager for The Exchange. “The city tries to direct everyone here because it's a safe trick-or-treating space where kids can run around and have fun without the worry of crossing busy streets.”
The event takes place at 300 S. Jefferson St. in McGregor at 4 p.m. on Oct. 31 and runs until 9 p.m. Children can enjoy a trunk-or-treat outside, as well as inflatables courtesy of Connections.
“The fire department will bring out one of their vehicles, and we usually have the state troopers and an ambulance if they aren’t on a call.”
Other hidden treasures of the Hay Barn Halloween event include full-sized candy bars courtesy of the American Legion and hot dogs handed out by the McGregor Lions Club.
The Halloween-themed event wraps up the spooky season and helps usher Central Texas into the holidays. Rocket Federal Credit Union will use the Oct. 31 event as a jumping off point for their Harvest Festival.
“With the Harvest Festival, we draw away from the Halloween aspect, like replacing jack-o-lanterns with pumpkins and candy with games,” said Terry Sloan, Rocket Federal Credit Union Manager/CEO. “We really want McGregor to become holiday central not only for [this area], but for the entire southwest region. We would love for the Harvest Festival to kick it off and then our Texas Country Christmas event to finish it off.”
Along with additional vendors for shopping and eating, the event, which will take place on Nov. 1 and 2, also promises exciting family activities like corn tossing and a deer corn pit.
“All the sponsors [and organizers] want to give back to the community,” Sloan said. “We want families to be able to come and have a good time in Mcgregor and not have to spend a lot of money.”
For more information about these fun fall events, call The Exchange Event Center at (254) 236-8400.
Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.
