Yuma Territorial Prison site of scary, safe fun for trick-or-treaters

Parents looking for something safe, fun and family friendly to do this Halloween night can take their ghosts, goblins and other spooky little creatures to the third annual “Scary & Safe Trick or Treat” at the Yuma Territorial Prison.

Planned and presented by the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, in cooperation with the Yuma Police Department, the Yuma Territorial Prison will undergo a spooky transformation to become a “Scary & Safe Trick or Treat” site.

“It's a great event and we encourage the community to come out and have a fun time with us,” said officer Cruz Vidal of the Yuma Police Department.

The Territorial Prison is said to be one of the most haunted structures in the Yuma area, with numerous stories of hauntings that seem to be related to the prisoners who were housed at the structure throughout its 33 years of operation.

However, instead of the spirits of the dead prisoners who still walk the corridors of the prison, members of local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies, along with local nonprofit organizations and businesses, will become temporary “cell mates” at the prison and will be giving away “tricks or treats” to children 12 and under.

Now in its third year, the event will be held from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Yuma Territorial Prison, 1 N. Prison Hill Road in downtown Yuma. Proceeds from the $1 admission fee will be donated to the Arizona Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and Crossroads Mission.

Last year's event drew an estimated 2,000 people, and Vidal said she expects that many if not more again this year. She added that it is important to be in line before 8:00 p.m., when the event ends, because those people will still be allowed in. Anyone who shows up after that time, unfortunately, will not.

A highlight of this year's event is the Dark Cell, which has been decorated by a group of area high school students working with the Yuma County Anti-Tobacco Coalition. They will also be dressed in costumes and handing out candy to those brave enough to step inside the cell.

“I don't know what they have done, but I'm told to be prepared for a treat,” Vidal said.

According to Vidal, the money raised will help pay the cost for Special Olympic athletes from the Yuma area to travel throughout the state to participate in competitions.

For any questions, call Master Police Officer Cruz Vidal at 373-4760.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter at @YSJamesGilbert.