There’s nothing scary about free food and saving money, but some businesses around town are offering deals, giveaways and special promotions for customers in the spirit of Halloween that are sure to make wallets scream with joy. While some bargains require costume-clad customers and others look to make trick-or-treating safer, all are guaranteed to make the holiday just a bit sweeter.

At Yogurt Mill, Crew Lead Ashley Wolff has participated in the frozen treat shop’s special Halloween giveaway for the past three years, and says it’s a hit with the children every time. All day on Oct. 31, trick-or-treaters age 12 and under are able to get a free, child-sized frozen yogurt of any flavor, as long as they are in costume and come accompanied by an adult.

“It’s always a really busy day,” said Wolff. “When Halloween falls on a weekday, it’s usually packed after school.”

The fro-yo stop typically gives away around 100 free yogurts to children who show up in costumes, said Wolff, but she added that just because the deal is geared toward children, it doesn’t mean the whole family can’t get in on the fun.

“It’s a very family-oriented place,” she said. “Last year, we had a couple families come in dressed up and the parents still bought themselves some yogurt.”

Yogurt Mill employees love seeing what creative costumes their young customers are able to come up with, said Wolff, often taking pictures of some of their favorites.

“We’ll take pictures of them in the lobby, because it’s more about them,” said Wolff. “It’s not so much for us to get business; it’s more for the kids to be able to dress up and have fun.”

There will be no limit to how many free treats Yogurt Mill gives out, she added, and the offer stands from open to close, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Halloween. Yogurt Mill is located at 2591 Geer Rd.

“If kids have school the next day and don’t want to stay out late trick-or-treating, they can come here early and get a treat,” said Wolff.

While Yogurt Mill is just one stop trick-or-treaters looking for tasty deals can stop at this Halloween, here are some other stops around town that bargain hunters can take advantage of:

·        -  The Turlock Police Department, 244 N. Broadway, will be handing out reflective bags and goodies for trick-or-treaters from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Halloween.

·         - Kids 12 and under can get a free “Scary Face Pancake” from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Halloween at IHOP, 1625 Countryside Dr. No costume necessary.

·         - Chipotle, 3090 Countryside Drive, is selling their famous $3 BOOritos (as well as $3 bowls, salads or orders of tacos) to customers in costume from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Halloween.

·         Corn dogs will be just 50 cents all day on Halloween at both of Turlock’s Sonic locations, 2125 W. Main St. and 3400 W. Monte Vista Ave. No costume required.