Family Fun at the Marco YMCA’s Annual “Boo”tacular

By Don Manley

The gym at the Greater Marco Family YMCA is sure to be a festive place on the evening of October 30 during the Y’s annual “Boo”tacular Halloween Celebration.

Now in its ninth year, the event is for children age 5 and under and their families, including siblings. It is scheduled for 5:30 to 7 PM, October 30, in the gymnasium in the Y’s main building.

“It’s a mini-carnival,” said Stephanie Pepper, the Y’s youth development manager, who encouraged everyone to come decked out in their best Halloween costume. “We have activities set up around the room, and the

families and children can go from activity to activity as they want. One thing I like about “Boo”tacular is it’s a safe environment. It gives parents a sense of security knowing that the program is secured inside the YMCA gymnasium.”

Ring toss, pumpkin bowling, pin the nose on the jack-o-lantern, a jack-o-lantern bean bag toss, a “feely cauldron with creepy-crawly items inside a witches caldron,” a bounce house, wrap the mummy, and an art center for Halloween-themed crafts are some of the planned activities, said Pepper. There will also be healthy “make and take snacks,” dancing and Halloween-themed music provided by Marco DJ Steve Reynolds.

“It really is

fun for the whole family,” Pepper added. “The parents have a great time. The kids have a blast.”

She said the Y is trying to minimize the amount of candy dispensed at “Boo”tacular, so donations of healthy, pre-packaged items are being sought for the “make and take snacks” that children can take home after the event. Donations of novelty items are also being accepted, to be used as prize giveaways at the event.

For more information or to donate, stop by the YMCA or call 239-394-3144.

If you go:

Greater Marco Family YMCA’s 2015 “Boo”tacular

When: 5:30 PM to 7 PM October 30

Where: The YMCA is located at 101 Sand Hill Street

Tickets: $5 for each participant