Looking to get out and enjoy what looks to be a picture-perfect pre-Halloween weekend? A slew of events are on tap, including a handful that will take time to give back to the communities they serve.
Here’s a few:
Otsego Monster Mash Dash
When: Registration at 7 a.m. with the run set to start at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25
Where: Otsego Prairie Park Shelter
Cost: $20, but includes t-shirt (supplies limited)
Kids can participate in a 1K, while adults will take a 3.1 mile trek around Prairie Park and into some nearby neighborhoods on this perfect fall morning. The start is located at the Prairie Center, 8899 Nashua Avenue NE in Otsego. 
Otsego Pick-Your-Pumpkin Patch
Stick around after the run, or just come at 11 a.m. and there will be hundreds of pumpkins scattered around Prairie Park for you to “pick.” There is a limited amount, so just one per child, please. However, there are also inflatables to jump on, a few treats and games for the kids, and a contest where you can win a HUGE Halloween pumpkin just by guessing the weight. The person who is closest will get the great pumpkin delivered to his or her house.
Cost of this event is free, but participants are encouraged to bring some non-perishable food items to donate to the CAER Food Shelf.
Alleluia Lutheran Church CommUNITY Food and Clothing Drive
For the seventh straight year, St. Michael-based Alleluia Lutheran Church will use the Saturday prior to Halloween to collect coats, clothes, shoes and food for the Hanover Food Shelf. Those looking to donate will have two opportunities – from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Colonial Mall, or 2 to 4 p.m. at the Church Land (off 30th Street and Kalenda Avenue Northeast). Accepted are clothes, new or gently used winter coats, hats and mittens, as well as food items.
Trick or Trunk Halloween Party
Alleluia Lutheran welcomes everyone to the Church Land (off 30th Street) from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be several decorated, themed vehicles with treats, treasures and maybe even a few tricks for the kids. Hang out, or just stop by to donate to the CommUNITY Food and Clothing drive.
Monticello Community Center Kiddie Halloween Parade
Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday and running until noon – Line up on the 300 block of Walnut Street and parade south 2 blocks to the Community Center for trick-or-treating, games and activities. FREE family event! Sponsored by Uptown Eye Care and Omni Vision & Learning Center, Monticello Chamber of Commerce, Monticello Community Center and local businesses and organizations.
Anoka – The official Capital of Halloween
If you want to venture out, there are a whole host of Halloween events just off Highway 10 in Anoka, as the community celebrates in its own special way over the weekend. There are block parties, live music, a Grand Parade, receptions, special store promotions, pumpkins and much more. Find all of the details about the celebration, about 30 minutes from St. Michael, at AnokaHalloween.com.