🌱 Frightful, Fun Halloween Events + 54 People Die Of West Nile

Happy Saturday, people of Phoenix! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening today in town.

First, today's weather:

Plenty of sun. High: 87 Low: 61.

Here are the top stories today in Phoenix:

1. The Valley is packed with activities and events to get you in the spooky spirit. Check out our list with a sampling of family-friendly festivities like trick-or-treating and pumpkin patches as well as scarier fare like haunted houses and haunted mazes. (Phoenix Patch)
2. After a trial run this summer, from now on trails on Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak will be closed from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. during days with excessive heat warnings. The change is an effort to keep both hikers and their potential rescuers safe. (Phoenix Patch)
3. The bipartisan Arizona Redistricting Committee approved draft maps Thursday. The panel was tasked with drawing the state's new congressional and legislative districts that will be in place for the next 10 years. (KTAR.com)
4. So far this year, West Nile virus has killed 54 people in Maricopa County. The vast majority of cases and deaths in the state have been in the county. There was only one death last year, when we had a particularly dry Monsoon. (Phoenix Patch)

Today in Phoenix:

• Risas Kids Dental Grand Opening. (8 a.m.)
• Glendale PD Community Action Team Shred Event. (8 a.m.)
• District 5 Year Strategic Plan: Committee at Large. (8:30 a.m.)
• Glendale Community Action Team Shred Event. (9 a.m.)
• Disco Brunch at Kähvi Coffee + Cafe. (11 a.m.)
• Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Trunk-or-Treat Drive Thru. (4 p.m.)
• The 4th Annual Halloween Bar Crawl — Tempe. (4 p.m.)
• The 4th Annual Halloween Bar Crawl — Scottsdale. (4 p.m.)
• Tolleson Trunk or Treat - Tolleson Public Library. (5 p.m.)
• Park West Entertainment District Announces 2nd Annual Boo Bash. (6 p.m.)
• Haunted House — Boulder Creek High. (6 p.m.)
• Cannaval Halloween Costume Ball. (8 p.m.)

Phoenix Patch Notebook

• Arizona Humane Society: "HOWL-O-WEEN IS ALMOST HERE! As the kids go trick-or-treating, be sure to keep your pets safe as well. On average, emergency vet clinics see a 12 percent increase of emergency calls on and around Halloween. Click the link to see tips that will help keep all your werewolf pups and catwoman kittens happy and healthy this Halloween" (Facebook)
• Phoenix Public Library: "Burton Barr Central Library celebrates the Día de Los Muertos holiday with a festive and informative exhibit in @Central Gallery now through Nov. 5. Learn about the history and meaning of the celebration, view nichos created by library staff, and leave a note on the Community Altar. Find more Día activities for all ages!" (Facebook)

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Events:

• Save 15 Percent On Boo-tiful Flowers This Halloween! (Oct. 31)
• Estate Planning Webinar (Nov. 2)
• The Holidays, Self Care, and Divorce – Scottsdale, Arizona Hub ~ No-Cost Webinar (Nov. 3)
• Social Security Seminar (Nov. 3)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar (Nov. 3)
• Social Security Seminar (Nov. 4)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar (Nov. 4)
• Estate Planning Webinar (Nov. 8)
• Estate Planning Seminar (Nov. 8)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (Nov. 9)
• Estate Planning Seminar (Nov. 9)
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Gigs & services:

• Get Paid to Test New Technology ($30 per hour) (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update! If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Caitlin Sievers

About me: I'm a passionate writer and photographer who worked as a reporter and editor for various publications in the Midwest before landing in Phoenix. I have seven roommates. Four of them are cats. Contact me at caitlin.sievers@patch.com with story ideas and feedback.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Phoenix Daily? Email me at caitlin.sievers@patch.com.