Parks and Rec Serves Up Scary Fun

Parks and Rec Serves Up Scary Fun

Tasha Gorman
Moapa Valley Progress
Published Nov. 4, 2009

Ghosts, witches, vampires and more were out in full force at the Clark County Fairgrounds on Saturday night for the Community Halloween Party. The event, sponsored by the local Clark County Parks and Recreation staff, returned this year after a two-year break that was due to a lack of community interest and participation.

Crowds of ghosts and goblins descended upon the Fairgrounds on Halloween night for the Community Halloween Party put on by Parks and Rec. Photo by Vernon Robison.

Low community interest didn’t seem to be a problem this year, however. John Stastny, local Parks and Rec coordinator said the event had gone through about 500 hot dogs in its first hour and a half. “I think we’ve had about 1000 people here already, so it’s blown my socks off” Stastny said.

Held from 6:00-9:00 p.m., admission to the Halloween party was one bag of candy per family. A variety of fun activities, geared towards elementary-age children, and a hot dog and chili dinner was provided.

Sisters Jasmine (back) and Lyla (front) have fun at the Parks and Rec Halloween Party.

The ever-popular trunk-or-treat component included about 25 cars, trucks and SUVs that were decorated in the spirit of Halloween. Everything from creepy to humorous could be found in the trunks, which were provided by individuals from local church groups and other organizations.

Other popular activities were also included. Fun features like a spook alley, rock-climbing wall and bungee jumping were helpful in burning off the candy-induced sugar rush that overcomes many trick-or-treaters on Halloween night.

Jasmine Newport, decked out as a Halloween princess, said the best thing about the Halloween Party was seeing her friends in their costumes. Her sister Lyla, dressed as a cat, expressed her excitement over Spook Alley. “It was so fun, but so scary” she said.

Those who attended the Parks and Rec Halloween Party enjoyed the fun, budget-friendly way to celebrate the scariest day of the year.