Trish and Damian were out for a fun afternoon where he scored some fun Groucho glasses. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

The spooky season started early with the Venture Out!’s Millfreaks scavenger hunt which was a citywide celebration. The weather added to the ambiance for this event as a wet cold front moved into the valley creating the feeling of Halloween on this first weekend in October.

Ghoulish looking characters, princesses, witches and more joined the fun scavenger hunt which required a purchased wristband and started at two locations in the valley: the Olympus Hills Shopping Center and Springbar Tents. 

“This is our first time at Millfreaks,” Annie Surprise said. “We just thought it would be a fun family event!” The entire Surprise family joined the fun.

There were five stops on this entertainment scavenger hunt with the final stop at Millcreek Common.

Bubble blowing machine operated by a youngster during Millfreaks in October. (John Strater Brown/Millcreek)

 If you started at Mount Olympus Shopping Center, you experienced face painting, free ice cream, a voodoo shop and a DJ. In a trick-or-treat fashion, little goblins moved around the shopping center from business to business. Tables were set up on the sidewalk in front of the shops and kids went to each and collected treats and memories.

Those that began the hunt at Springbar Tent were treated to spooky stories, crafts, snacks, an obstacle course and tent to tent trick-or-treating.

Other stops included a drive-in animated movie from Granite Credit Union and trick-or-treating at Evergreen Park. 

The objective was to bring the community together with fun memories and collect treats at each stop.

“We love everything Millcreek does,” Trish from Millcreek said. “They just do such a darn good job putting on events for families.” Trish and her son, Damian were enjoying the festivities.

The Surprise family of Millcreek, Annie and Kia, came out to enjoy a fun family event. (John S. Brown/Millcreek)

Damian said he loves “the candy and the glasses.” Damian scored some Groucho glasses at one of the prize tables.

Businesses got involved and provided plenty of tricks or treats. Macey’s got in on the action and gave out free bags of popcorn to those hungry hunters. There was even a photobooth for those who wanted more than a mental memory of Millfreaks.

The last stop on the scavenger hunt was at Millcreek Common where your wristband entitled you free roller skating. Millcreek Common provided a dance floor, performances and an opportunity to climb the wall.

This event was put on by Venture Out! and was the final sendoff for the season until next June. To learn more about Venture Out!, visit ventureout.org.

Kate and Lanie work the booth in front of Utah Tumbling Academy where they had contests and open play available for all to participate. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)