North, south, east and west; young and old; scary, funny and goofy; ghosts and goblins and banshees.

It’s Halloween time at all points of the compass for “kids” of all ages. Lots of events are planned in local communities for the spooky holiday.

Check out these tricks and treats and events in the area this weekend.

Bearcat Football & Senior Night: The “weekend” begins Thursday evening as the Dexter Bearcats celebrate Senior Night and the end of a regular season that has been described as “historical.”

The Bearcats take on the Fredericktown Black Cats in a Thursday evening at on Bearcat Field at Charles Bland Stadium. Senior Night recognition for the football, cross-country, tennis and Marching Bearcat Band will be held in pre-game festivities beginning at 6:30 p.m.

DHS Future Teachers of America Blood Drive: On Friday, the students to Dexter High School are joining together to save lives.

The DHS Future Teachers of America organization is hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive. The blood drive will be held in the DHS gym from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Give the gift of life!!

Halloween Science Fun: The fun continues Saturday in Cape Girardeau for kids. 

Children ages 5-12 are invited to learn that science is "a blast" at the FREE Halloween Science Night at Southeast Missouri State University. Children will be transformed into scientists and will have the opportunity to see exploding pumpkins, learn about things that glow, see creepy creatures and carnivorous plants, and participate in gooey, gross and awesome activities.

The event will take place from 2 - 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29 (check in from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.) in Dempster Hall on the Southeast Campus.

The event is free, but online registration is required at the event’s page on the University website at Halloween Science Night .

Genealogy Workshop: Keller Public Library in Dexter in conjunction with the Stoddard County Genealogy Society will host a Genealogy Workshop Saturday. The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the library on Grant Street. There is a $5 cost to cover materials

Halloween Fun In Dexter: The City of Dexter has designated Monday evening, Oct. 31 as the “official” time in the city for trick-or-treating. Trick-or-treaters make make their run from 6-10 p.m. Monday night.

Trunk-Or-Treat: The Dexter High School Student Council will once again sponsor the ghostly-popular Trunk-Or-Treat event on Halloween Night – Monday, Oct. 31 - for youngsters in pre-school through grade 5. The event is held at the DHS parking lot from 5:30 – 7 p.m. and is free and a fun time for all.