Winnie Schroeder, Kathryn Winn, Amanda Wilson, Dr. Pam Letts, Gerri O'Brien and Bella Letts get into the Halloween spirit at Centre Shops Family Practice.

Students at the NewGate School celebrated International Children's Day, Monday, Oct. 31, at the NewGate campus.

First-graders today paraded around Southside Elementary School's campus to show off their favorite book characters.

Dozens of children didn't let a little rain earlier in the day keep them from putting on their costumes and heading out to Summerfield Park Oct. 29 for the MOMS Club of Lakewood Ranch's annual Halloween Party. Children enjoyed music, games, crafts, candy and snacks and a pumpkin carving contest, among other activities.

East County residents tipped their glasses for local charity during the International Beer Festival Oct. 29 at Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Festivities included samplings of more than 100 craft and specialty beers, live music, a costume contest and more.

Students at Braden River Elementary School enjoyed a trunk-or-treat, games, inflatables and more during the school's Harvest Moon Bash Oct. 29.

Dressed in their Halloween best, East County residents ran to support Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee during the annual Boo Run event Oct. 29 at Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

Area Geisha, Anakin Skywalker and ninja got together for a Halloween pumpkin carving at Longboat Key Club and Resort Harbourside Grille Deck on Sunday, Oct. 31. The children and their parents enjoyed lunch and some parents joined in the pumpkin carving. There was a costume contest and a pumpkin-shaped piñata.

This Weimaraner puppy got lots of love at the 12th Annual Firehouse Chili Cook-Off Sunday, where she was seen snoozing on the shoulder of her owner.

Local firehouses competed in the 12th annual Firehouse Chili Cook-Off Sunday, on Osprey Avenue.

Waldorf Sarasota held their annual Halloween Fest and Lantern Walk Sunday, Oct. 30, at Pine Shores Presbyterian.