Those looking for some safe Halloween Day fun for young and old alike will be pleased to learn about the program planned this year at the Earl Scruggs Center (ESC) in Shelby.

At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, the ESC will offer special "Jack Tales" storytelling programs and an opportunity to win a Halloween-themed gift basket. Children will receive free admission throughout the Center's hours, and costumes are welcomed. Careful Covid-19 preventative protocols will be followed throughout the event to ensure the safety of all of those in attendance.

"We are delighted to host storyteller Ron Gulledge, who will bring local and regional folklore to life," says Mary Beth Martin, ESC executive director. "Parents and children will learn about how Jack Tales passed down through many generations of storytelling families in North Carolina and played an important role in early Appalachian culture.

"Jack is a character, usually portrayed as a clever boy, who appears in many tales whose origins are traced back to England. These stories were adapted and told throughout the mountains of North Carolina," says Martin. "Folklorist Richard Chase collected these stories and published them in his book, The Jack Tales, which helped further spread and popularize them. These are beloved stories that many children, including me, grew up hearing from their parents or grandparents.

"Jack Tales almost always follow the same pattern: Jack meets an obstacle or a challenge, and through his wits or luck, finds a way to succeed or get out of a sticky situation. These are wonderful, entertaining stories based on a trickster-type hero."

The 11 a.m. Jack Tales program will feature stories specifically for young children, and the 2 p.m. program will feature stories suitable for the entire family.

Attendance is limited for these programs to allow for social distancing, and registration is required. To register for this event, visit www.earlscruggscenter.org/event/skelefun-day/, or call the Earl Scruggs Center at 704-487-6233.

Throughout the day, visitors may stop by the gift shop to play a guessing game and enter a contest to win a Halloween-themed gift basket. In addition, a limited number of treat bags will be available for children.

"To prevent the spread of Covid-19 in our community, face coverings are required inside the Earl Scruggs Center and gift shop," says Martin. "In addition, guests must maintain six-foot social distancing in the museum and related programs, and we encourage them to take advantage of several hand sanitizing stations throughout the facility. Guests may notice increased cleaning and sanitizing of all high-touch surfaces, and we ask for patience as timed entry may be enacted, as needed.

"If you have a fever, are experiencing symptoms, or have been in close contact with a person with Covid-19, we ask that you visit us another day."

For more information about the Halloween-day activities or about other programs offered by the ESC, visit www.earlscruggscenter.org or find the center on Facebook at www.facebook.com/the.earl.scruggs.center.