By Catherine Ellerton
Moapa Valley Progress
A loud, sinister cackle split the autumn air as this reporter approached the Old Overton Gym on Friday, October 26. I warily entered the building and was greeted by ghouls, witches and other “things that go bump in the night” of every size and shape. Most of them were wildly running about in a challenge to try their hand at the many activity booths – from beanbag or pumpkin or penny tosses to the fish pond or the dice roll.
In the kitchen I found Witches Delilah and Jewel (their mortal names withheld to protect their innocence) wildly stirring the magical brew.
As I wandered further into the building I noticed speechless humans exiting a hole in the wall. It was a fearsome Spook Alley which sucked in eager beings looking forward to challenging the unknown and then spit them out in a stunned demeanor. It was explained to me that there was merely a dark hallway to be walked and a crawl space to exit. Of course the minds of the Middle School Honor Society and Beta Club members threw in strange sounds, strobe lights, hiding ghouls and creepy, crawly things that hung down from the ceiling. Sierra Holzer, when approached as she exited, stated with a tremulous smile that it was scary but fun.
I slowly backed away and with a sigh of relief ran into a familiar sight – the Pocket Lady. A kitty by the name of ‘Sulu’ – whose earthly name is Mercedes Hauver – was exploring the magic contained within the many pockets in this amiable lady’s skirts. Ramona Crane volunteered, when urged, that this was her 48th year in taking on the persona of ‘The Pocket Lady.’ We parted company with the promise that exciting costume events would occur on her 50th year.
The gym was filled with laughter, excitement and family togetherness. The Old Overton Gym Board President Ben Robison explained that this event would continue as the Non-Profit Board felt it was an effective fund raiser and accomplished the goal of bringing together families and friends in a safe, happy environment. This organization keeps the doors open through memberships and grants and by the participation of organizations and individuals by offering them a place for reunions, weddings, organization meetings and class and meeting rooms.
I slowly made my way through pumpkins and batmen, Darth Vader, witches, bees, convicts and ghouls and made a brief stop at the food table. This, of course, was in addition to the delicious chili and Frito pies whipped up by the alter egos of members of the local Rotary Club.
I solicited the advice of young, very young, Shelby Cornwall on what would be the best of the best to eat. She was very emphatic that the pink cupcakes were best.
“But what about the carmel apples and banana bread and Cheerio Treats?” I whined.
With a shake of her head and with a pink frosting mustache, Shelby insisted on the pink cupcakes.
Sighing I left the haunted building, knowing that once again, next year, this building would call forth the unearthly.
