Jack-o-lanterns on porches, leaves falling from the trees and huge amounts of candy on sale at the stores- it must be almost Halloween. As children pick out their costumes and parents buy bags of their favorite candies (just in case there are leftovers), area communities and groups are preparing to celebrate this fall holiday in various ways.

Although much will happen on Halloween night, Tuesday, Oct. 31, some celebrations get going before then.

In the spirit of Halloween, the Logan Arts Council is presenting a murder mystery, the “Case of the Missing Grocery Ad.” Grocer Gaines Cooksey of the 1940s, known for his opinionated ads, has been murdered at Agnes Davis' Halloween party and his latest grocery ad stolen. Sheriff Tom Rhea must interview several famous Logan Countians- such as the Woman in the Window, Jim Bowie, Major Richard Bibb and Jesse James- to find the culprit and retrieve the ad and he needs your help. The mystery will be presented Friday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Logan County Public Library. Costumes are preferred.

Also on Friday, Elk Lick Baptist Church in Spa will hold Open House at Eternity Estates from 6 to 9 p.m. Angel-guided tours will show what it is like to trick-or-treat in Heaven. The tours will start every 10 minutes and are appropriate for all ages.

On Saturday, Oct. 28, Russellville Parks and Recreation will be hosting Boo Bash from 10 a.m. to noon on Carrico Park Square. A costume contest will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a scream contest. Activities will include games, prizes and a cupcake walk. The event is free to all ages.

Crossroads Church will host Fun Fest, a Halloween alternative, on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. Activities will include inflatables, games and candy. No costumes should be worn. The church is located at U.S. 68-80 and Terry Wilcutt Highway.

On Halloween night, children will fill the streets for trick-or-treating in many communities. The suggested times for trick-or-treating in the incorporated cities are: Russellville, 5-8 p.m.; Adairville, 5-8 p.m.; Auburn, 4-8 p.m.; and Lewisburg, 5-8 p.m.

Some cities also have other activities planned on Halloween night.

In Lewisburg, the street in front of City Hall is closed for a fall festival celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. Area churches host booths with games and candy and there will be inflatables.

Also in Lewisburg, Life Temple Church on Main Street is having Kids for Christ Monday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. and the theme will be Trunk and Treat.

In Auburn, Hanks Properties sponsors Trick-or-Treat on the Plaza at Sugar Maple Plaza from 5 to 7 p.m. Area businesses and organizations will hand out candy.

In Adairville, Living Word Church is hosting a Halloween alternative called Hallelujah Night from 5 to 8 p.m. The event is free and is for ages 2 through sixth grade. There will be candy, prizes and a blow-up slide. No costumes should be worn.

When it comes to going door to door trick-or-treating, Russellville Police Patrol Captain Roger McDonald offered some advice.

“Wear lightly colored clothing,” McDonald said. “Carry a flashlight... and only used wrapped candy.”

“Just watch out and be careful,” he added.

Younger children should always be accompanied by an adult. Older children should go in a group, should have a set time to be home may and should tell what route they are planning to take.

Children should also be told to never go into a stranger's home or get in a car with someone. Adults should also tell children to not eat there candy until it has been inspected.

The Red Cross offers the following safety tips: