Knights host second annual Halloween Party

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Posted Nov. 7, 2002

There were some scary and funny-looking characters running around the gymnasium of Mater Dei School's Immaculate Conception Center on Oct. 27 as the Knights of Columbus sponsored its annual Halloween Party.

According to Darby Young, a member of the Immaculate Conception/Nativity KCs Council (#5660 Dr. Tierney), this is the second year the group has hosted the party.

"When I was growing up in St. Joseph's of Salix we always had a Halloween Party when I was in grade school. I thought it was a good idea and a way to incorporate more family activities into the Knights of Columbus," he explained.

With that in mind, the KCs decided to host the party last year and it was such a success that they opted to sponsor another one this year.

"It exceeded our expectations last year. We had almost 400 children show up," said Young, who was the main organizer of the event. "Though we didn't have as many children this year, I still thought it was a success."

He estimated about 300 children attended this year's party that was open to Immaculate Conception and Nativity families with children in fifth-grade and below. The snowy weather that evening, he believed, played a factor in fewer numbers. It was offered at no charge.

Along with contests for the best jack-o-lanterns and the most creative, scariest and funniest costumes, the party featured a variety of games.

"We took many of the games and activities that are held at church bizarres and school carnivals and put a Halloween spin on it," said Young.

They had a pumpkin pond, pin the face on the pumpkin, cake walk and many others. The Knights, their wives and families manned the booths, ran concessions and welcomed people at the door for the gathering. About six Knights planned the event and about 30 individuals worked it.

"I liked to go fishing," said second-grader Mariah Stanek.

Her cousin Cassie Stanek, also in the second grade, liked the haunted house best of all. She also enjoyed hanging out with friends.

Cassie's mother, Kathy Stanek, said, "I think this is very good for families and the kids love it."

Another parent, Roxanne Meisner, attended the party with her two children. She also found it to be a fun family event.

"It gives the children something fun to day," she said, adding that it's nice to attend an event like this when they know so many people.

The event, noted Young, was a good way to illustrate the good things that the Knights of Columbus do for their parishes. At the same time, it raises awareness and interest in membership to the Knights.

"This year we did offer an opportunity for the children to bring a canned food item for the church pantry," noted Young. "For every child that brought an item, their name was placed in a drawing for gifts."

The KCs plan to host another Halloween Party next year. This fall event mirrors a spring Easter Egg Hunt held yearly on the grounds of Nativity Parish.