Goblins, ghouls and some choo-choo trains gathered at the Athens Community Center for another candy-filled evening
Even though Halloween begins on Friday, goblins, ghouls and some choo-choo trains gathered at the Athens Community Center for another candy-filled evening.
The night began with a march down East State Street led by the Athens High School marching band as kids of all ages and their parents paraded down the street to the center.
“The parade was my favorite part,” said 7-year-old Clarence Spears, who was dressed as a skeleton. His sister, 6-year-old Kimberly Spears, agreed.
As Clarence and Kimberly approached the center, there were many games to partake in, including cakewalks, mini-golf, bean-bag tosses, basketball and a game where contenders hop from one side to the other with frog feet.
Each game awards the winner with candy, but enthusiastic contestants were not left out as they received confectionary treats as well.
Happy faces shone through even the scariest costumes in the building, showing how much fun can be had when Athens children get together.
“So far the event is good,” said Samantha Gould, an Athens resident dressed as the devil. “My stepdad brought his stepkids here last year and said it was really good. It’s better than New Martinsville.”
While the games were going on, a DJ played music and one 7-year-old dressed as Batman couldn’t help but shake a leg when “Gangnam Style” came over the loudspeakers.
“I’m having a good time,” said Devon Barnes, 7, while still dancing, “This is my favorite part, the dancing.”
Dana Delamater, who was with Barnes, said this was their first time coming to the event and they had a terrific time.
Many unique costumes were running around at the center, such as an ice bucket challenge costume and two choo-choo trains, but the most-worn costume during the night was Elsa from the movie Frozen.
Athens residents were there to celebrate Halloween, but one mermaid was getting a head start on celebrating something very important to her.
“I’m 11 but I’ll be 12 tomorrow,” said Charlotte Cutwright. “My favorite part so far was the cakewalk. I’m having fun now but I’m excited for tomorrow.”
Cutwright said that she picked to be a mermaid because it sounded fun and she knew people would be mermaids but not the type of mermaid that she was.
Exhaustion and bellyaches will be among the kids of Athens tonight, but the memories and friendships they made will remain with them forever.
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