By Catherine Ellerton

Moapa Valley Progress

The Pocket Lady is still popular today after 40 years of hiding treats in her many pockets. Photo by Catherine Ellerton.

The sliver of a moon hung low in the sky creating a darkness that the creatures of the night glory in. They came out to celebrate the coming All Hallows’ Eve. Pirates, bees, cowboys, pumpkins, elephants, ghouls, witches, criminals, alligators, royalty and even Dracula roamed freely in the Old Overton Gym and the Calvary Community Church on Friday night, October 28.

These creatures challenged the fish ponds, the bean bag toss, ping pong ball toss, ring the pop cans and the penny toss found at these locations that had been transformed into a Fall Festival.

At the Old Overton Gym the “Pocket Lady” held court. Ghosts and goblins, pirates and princesses scurried about her, diving into her many pockets to find treats of all kinds – balloons, pencils, whistles, frogs and noise makers.

Matilda Thompson and Maddy Curtis were found exiting the Spook Alley. They agreed that it was “really scary.”

Others sat about enjoying the chili and Frito pie dinner served during the festival and celebration of a building filled with stories of a community’s history.

As I left this ghostly building, I found myself drawn to another gathering at the Calvary Community Church. The super beings wandered about accepting the game challenges and sweet rewards. Lurking about one of the buildings was a mafia gunman taking care of family business. Mortal Aaron Cordaro advised that he “made an offer other mortals could not refuse” and continued on his journey.

The Adventure Glide rock climbing wall loomed high into the sky beckoning to those who dared. Answering the call was 5 year old Lauralai Sobrio of Logandale who began her climb to the heights stating that “she had done it before, and could do it again” – and she did.

The many volunteers all agreed that this night of festivity was well worth the loving effort that made it special. As the night sky darkened, the mortal beings scurried home to wait for the next evening when once again they could venture forth in their disguises and tempt the fates.