Candy, games, inflatables, and hot dogs. This and more is what you can expect at the annual Hay Barn Halloween Festival at The Exchange Event Center in McGregor, TX. More than 750 kids attended this free event last year, and event center manager, Cassie Thomas, expects that more than 1,000 will spend the spooky holiday at this fun-filled festival.
When families arrive, they will be escorted through the doors of The Exchange where kids can enjoy playing games or collect candy from dozens of local vendors. Each child will also receive a goodie bag sponsored by Knauf, that will also serve as a place to store their candy.
After they visit the vendors inside the building, children will be ushered outside, where the fun continues with trunk-or-treat, inflatables courtesy of Church Alive, and appearances from local law enforcement and other exciting guests.
“The Fire Department will be there with their truck, the ambulance will attend if the first responders are in town and not on a call, and we’ve reached out to the SWAT team in Waco and the sheriff’s office,” Thomas said.
The event will also include a visit from a gaming truck, where kids can take turns playing on a big screen TV inside the vehicle.
And before kids leave the grounds, they will be treated with hot dogs from the McGregor Lions Club.
Because Halloween falls on a Monday night (a school night), the festival will start a little earlier than last year. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the event lasts until 7 p.m.
“This event is super kid-friendly and safe for kids to run around and play,” Thomas said. “They will get plenty of goodies and candy and have a great time.”
For more information about this event or if you’re interested in becoming a vendor, contact The Exchange Event Center at (254) 236-4000. The center is located at 300 S. Jefferson St., McGregor, TX 76657.
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.
