A happy reader attends the annual Mountain PTA Halloween Carnival and 2017 Pumpkin Palooza including with a book fair Saturday at Mountain Elementary School. The carnival began in the 1970’s as a safe and fun alternative to trick-or-treating. This 40+ year-old tradition has become a popular community event. This year the carnival featured pumpkin themed activities in the school courtyard with live music, bounce houses, cake walk and a haunted house. There also was a ‘creature of unusual size’ alongside delicious Grandma Blue Corn’s Kettle organic kettle corn, Papa Murphy’s pizza, cotton candy and concessions. The carnival also featured a silent auction with many donated items from local businesses and a book fair in the library to provide a quiet escape from all the crazy fun. Photo by KayLinda Crawford

Dad and kids get in some target practice at Saturday’s annual Mountain PTA Carnival and 2017 Pumpkin Palooza. Photo by KayLinda Crawford

Mountain Teacher Michelle Altherr decked out for the carnival. Photo by KayLinda Crawford

All smiles! Photo by KayLinda Crawford

Cuties everywhere. Photo by KayLinda Crawford

The eyes have it. Photo by KayLinda Crawford

Fishing for prizes. Photo by KayLinda Crawford

Tacos like reading, too! Photo by KayLinda Crawford

Thing 1 and Thing 2. Photo by KayLinda Crawford

Storm Trooper watches over the festivities. Photo by KayLinda Crawford

Mickey makes a showing at the carnival. Photo by KayLinda Crawford

A clown and Supergirl patiently wait their turn. Photo by KayLinda Crawford

Goodies galore! Photo by KayLinda Crawford

Pumpkin checkers. Photo by KayLinda Crawford

Checking out the books. Photo by KayLinda Crawford

Singing Jack-O’-Lantern trio. Photo by KayLinda Crawford

Silent Auction items offer something for everyone. Photo by KayLinda Crawford

Giant spider web greets goblins. Photo by KayLinda Crawford

Haunted House sign warns those who enter. Photo by KayLinda Crawford