Spooktacular Scares Up Family Fun

By DAYNA DRUM | Reporter

A large unicorn being led by a toddler-fairy princess was not the only special visitors at the Palisades Recreation Center on Saturday, Oct. 31 for the annual Halloween Spooktacular.
Almost every child and parent was in full costume at the afternoon’s festival, which featured carnival-style games, a reptile show and a dance-contest led by a DJ in a Ghostbuster’s uniform.

This year’s event hosted a few new contributions such as a magician and trick-or-treat path with a small haunted house at the end. To alleviate long lines at the food trucks, the menus were limited to only a few items, explained event coordinator Susan McInerney.
Some people thought the crowds were lighter than previous years. Palisadian Claire Ryan said in previous years her daughter is usually stuck in line for the various games, but this year she had been able to go through all of the games quickly.
Rec Center director Erich Haas explained the reason for lighter attendance was because Spooktacular usually isn’t held on Halloween day.
Competing events and the hot time of day were contributing factors.
However, organizers wanted to hold it earlier in the day to give families time to get ready before going out to trick-or-treat for the evening.
Despite the weather, attendees said the event lived up to previous years.
Palisadian Julie May said, “We look forward to it every year.”
Councilmemember Mike Bonin, dressed as Superman, also made a special appearance. He mingled with the crowds, answered questions from the community and posed for pictures.
Haas said it’s hard to pinpoint his favorite part of Spooktacular, but he enjoys the spirit of the families that attend.
“I like to see the kids come out in the costumes. They get so creative and the parents too,” he said.
See more photos from Spooktacular on page 8.