COUNTY LIFE
Door-to-door, trunk-or-treat? New family traditions being created for Halloween night action
By DANI BLACKBURN
Trick-or-treating is a Halloween custom dating back to as early as 1911 in the United States, with children dressing up in their favorite costume and going door-to-door to ask for candy and special treats.
Expect to see Elsa’s, zombies and batmen roaming the streets on Halloween night.
While a longtime family tradition, Halloween has changed over the years due to safety and social concerns.
Parents are searching for a safer and more convenient alternative choose to take their children to trunk-or-treats; an alternative trend that grew out of fall festivals in the mid-1990’s and continues to gain popularity.
Trunk-or-treats shifts children gathering candy door-to-door to a parking lot where cars, typically decorated, are lined up to pass out candy.
The Bowie News received feedback from local parents on their plans for Halloween through a recent Facebook post. Responses were split evenly between door-to-door and trunk-or-treat.
Read the full story how Halloween traditions are evolving and changes in the mid-week News.
Also see a schedule of local trick or treat activities planned around the county this Halloween weekend.
The administration and staff of Bowie Independent School District are trying to gauge community interest in the district offering free pre-kindergarten for all students who are four years old by Sept. 1, 2026.
This potential program would allow more children in the community to begin their educational journey early in a supportive and engaging environment.
Enrollment packets will be available on May 7.
Those interested are invited to a come-and-go round-up from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on May 7 at the elementary.
Once again it’s time for the Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con at the Bowie Public Library on May 2.
What began several years ago as a free comic book day has grown into a full day of fun activities for the entire family centered around comics, video games, cosplayers and other creatives.
It is organized by the Bowie TX Freakz & Geeks and the Bowie Public Library. Activities run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the library located at 301 Walnut.
There will be free comic books to kick start or expand your collection, an epic video game high score tournament, costume contest for cosplayers of all levels, raffles swag giveaways and exclusive goodies. Unique vendors also will be on hand with special guests. Bowie TX Freakz & Geeks is a local discord group on a mission to bring nerd culture and a better connection to the area and surrounding communities. Find group on Facebook. Share your passions that may be anime, art, comics, gaming, or movies.
Entries are now open for the 2026 Miss Jim Bowie Days Pageant with a deadline of May 31 to enter.
This contest is a longstanding tradition during Jim Bowie Days giving young women an opportunity to represent the community, promote rodeo and carry on a legacy building character, integrity and western heritage.
The pageant include two age divisions: Miss Jim Bowie, age 14-21 (as of June 1, 2026) and Little Miss Jim Bowie Days, ages 6-13 (as of June 1, 2026). Entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. on May 31. All applications, fees and required materials must be submitted by this time.
Applications and information is available at jimbowiedays.com, click Miss Jim Bowie Days.
There is an optional orientation meet at 6 p.m. on May 31 at the Bowie Community Center. It is strongly recommended contestants and parents attend this meeting.
Read more on this story in the Thursday Bowie News.
Pictured – Rodeo royals from 2025 competition. Bowie News file photo
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