There’s plenty of Halloween season options in Manteca, but arguably the most “Mantecan” can be found north of Lathrop Road along the Highway 99 Frontage Road.

That is where you will find the Perry’s Market Pumpkin Patch open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 13881 South Highway 99.

What makes the pumpkin patch so special besides the fact it is attached to an old-fashioned farmers produce stand complete with seasonal veggies, fruits, and snacks?

It is run by the family that planted the seeds to Manteca becoming the undisputed pumpkin capital of California growing 70 percent of the state’s pumpkins.

Family patriarch George Perry Sr. parlayed rented crop acreage in 1958 at Southland Road and Cottage Avenue just over a mile to the southeast of today’s produce stand  into the West Coast’s large distributor of pumpkins and melons.
Besides pumpkins and fresh produce offerings, the pumpkin patch has low-key entertainment touches for kids.

Downtown Trunk

or Treat Saturday

The biggest Halloween Trunk of Treat event of the season takes place this Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to noon in downtown Manteca.

It includes live music, food trucks, car show, character meet and greets and of course trick or treating.

The event is being staged by Manteca Recreation & Community Services in conjunction with downtown businesses.

Mad scientist lab

Oct. 31 & Nov. 1

Rick Feuerstein’s mad scientist lab — a creation in his garage that is a nod to Frankenstein - can be found in his garage at 1373 Pajaro Avenue of on Northgate Drive in Manteca from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, and Friday, Nov. 1.

 Admission is free.

While there aren’t people that jump out and scare those who walk through like other Halloween attractions, Feuerstein recommends that only children five and older visit the lab – the scene is somewhat graphic and there are parts that could scare younger children.

The Commons Trick

or Treat on Saturday

The Commons at Union Ranch Halloween Trick or Treat event is Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume and enjoy Halloween-inspired foods, fun arts and crafts, and lively music.

Capture memories at a photo booth and grab a take-home candy bag as a sweet treat.

The Commons is located at 2241 N. Union Road.

Wine, Beer & Spooky

Spirits stroll on Friday

The Manteca Chamber of Commerce is conducting a Wine, Beer & Spooky Spirits Stroll on Friday, Oct, 25, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Those attending must be 21 and older with ID required.

There is also a costume contest.

Tickets are $40 each.

For more details and tickets go to www.Manteca.org

VFW Post Trunk

or Treat on Oct. 31

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6031’s Trunk or Treat  takes place Thursday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the VFW Veterans Center, 580 Moffat Blvd.

It is a free entry event that includes the candy offering of the Trunk or Treat.

There will also be food, drinks, as well as games and prizes.

For more information, contact Kathy Walker at (209) 815-3768 or James Walker at (209) 684-3593.

Trunk or Treat Friday at

Manteca Assisted Living

Manteca Assisted Living, formerly known as Prestige, is hosting a free trunk and treat Friday, Oct. 25, from 5 to 7 p.m.

It is at 1130 Empire Ave. off Louise Avenue in east Manteca.

Trunk or Treat Friday

at Second Harvest

Second Harvest, 1220 Vanderbilt Circle in the Manteca Industrial Park, is hosting a free trunk or treat Friday, Oct. 25, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

There will be candy, pumpkin painting, games, as well as food and drink.

Food donations will be accepted.

Trick or Treat staged

by Raymus Homes

Raymus Homes is hosting a trick or treat event Saturday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Artisan Park, 2264 Dilip Drive, in the Griffith Park neighborhood in southeast Manteca.

There will be treats, games and a costume contest.

The first 100 kids will get free goody bags.

Trunk or Treat Oct. 31

at Refuge Church

A family-style Trunk or Treat takes place Thursday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Refuge Church, 486 Button Ave.

It includes inflatables for both children and toddlers, popcorn, numerous photo booths, Sugar Lips mini doughnuts, and trunk and treat.

Dinner is also available for a fee.

‘Night at the Museum’

on Saturday, Oct. 26

Manteca will once again have a “Night at the Museum” on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of the museum, 600 W. Yosemite Ave.

Included will be all types of Halloween themed games such as “Find the Eyeball,” “Ring the Witch’s Hat,” “Bone Bag Toss,” and others geared for children.

 One of the most popular games in the past years is the "Pumpkin Walk." Children walk in a circular path that is numbered.  When the music stops, children are on a number and if their number is called they get to choose an elaborately decorated pumpkin to take home for Halloween as their prize.

Children must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian.  Recommended ages are from 2 to 12 years of age.  Popcorn will be free throughout the afternoon. A hot dog meal, including a hot dog, bag of chips and a drink, will be available for purchase for $3.

Prizes and candy will be given out for those who participate in the games and events.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com