Halloween events combine fun, exercise, chili, more

By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff WriterOctober 20, 2016

Halloween events combine fun, exercise, chili, more
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- It's that time of year again when people don their favorite costumes and prepare to celebrate one of the spookiest nights of the year.

Although Frite Nite won't be returning to Fort Rucker this year, there are plenty of activities to keep people busy and get their Halloween fix before the big night of trick-or-treating.

Center Library Fall Carnival

The Center Library is inviting all to come join in the fun for fall activities Oct. 25 from 4-5:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served and there will be a costume contest in different age groups, including up to six years old, 7-12 years old and 13-17 years old. There will also be a Halloween craft session, as well as spooky-themed games and other activities. The event is opened to all authorized patrons and no registration is required to attend.

For more information people can stop by the Center Library or call 255-3885.

Superhero Costume Party Lock-In

Members of the Fort Rucker Youth Center can enjoy the Superhero Costume Party Lock-in Oct. 21 starting at 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following Saturday at the Youth Center, located in Bldg. 2800 on 7th Ave.

During the event, games and other activities will be played, and prizes will be given away for best costume.

Admission is $20 for youth center members, ages 13-18 years, and all teens must be signed up at the youth center and be registered with child, youth and school services, and space is limited, so people are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. For more information, call 255-2271.

Spooky 5K and Chili Cook-off

One way people can get a bit of exercising in before taking on the frightening sights during trick-or-treating is the Spooky 5K, 1-mile fun run and costume contest Oct. 29 on West Beach at Lake Tholocco.

Registration on the day of the event runs from 7:30-8:45 a.m. at the Fort Rucker Festival Fields. The run will begin at 9 a.m. The cost to register is $20 to include a T-shirt if registered by Oct. 21, and $25 after that. There is also a $12 run-only option, which does not include a T-shirt. Teams of up to eight can also register for $120 if registered by Oct. 21, and $160 after that, and both include T-shirts while supplies last.

The costume contest is free to enter and will begin at 8:15 a.m. Trophies will be awarded for overall best costume, scariest costume and most original costume for both children and adults.

For more information, call 255-3794.

Also at West Beach in conjunction with the Spooky 5K is the Chili Cook-off and Tailgate, which will begin at 7:30 a.m. and will feature a military working dog demonstration, Wounded Warrior Hunt awards presentation and cook-off contest with prizes for best tasting, best in show and people's choice.

Trick or Treat

After all the crafts have been made and runs ran, people can get ready for a night of trick-or-treating on post Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m. in the post housing areas.

Parents, children and those driving through the housing areas at that time are reminded to keep safety in the forefront of their minds and to be vigilant while enjoying trick-or-treating this year, said Peggy Contreras, Fort Rucker Community Police supervisor.

"A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds, and if your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you," said the community police supervisor. "Also, make sure to agree on a specific time when they should return home and only go to homes with a porch light on -- and never enter a home or car for a treat."

Contreras also recommends that people carry a cell phone for quick communication, and remember to wear reflective clothing and flashlights.

Parents should also talk to children about safety when it comes to the candy they are collecting, and remind their children to let them inspect the candy before eating it, she said.

"It may be a good idea to pin the address or phone number on children in case they get lost or separated from their group," she added.

Police and fire personnel will be set up at all three community centers handing out candy, and they will also be roaming and walking the area during those hours to help keep things safe.

"Drivers should decrease speed and watch for people moving, and really should avoid driving in the area, if possible," she added.

For more information on Halloween events call, 255-1749.