By CATHERINE ELLERTON
Moapa Valley Progress
The walls of the Old Overton Gym once again echoed with the laughter and voices of Valley residents on Friday, October 25. This annual event is sponsored by the Old Overton Gym Board of Directors in its continuing goal to preserve local history and to build our community.
There were all types of young creatures walking about taking advantage of the games and food. Anita Shanahan was in charge of the carnival which included: a dart throw, bean bag toss, fishing pond, ping pong ball toss and a dice game.
Bumble bees, queens, cheerleaders, military personnel and cowboys lined up to try their hands and to take a chance to win a fun prize from one of the Mack Lyon Loco-motion Dance Team volunteers.
There was a wonderful booth whose fragrance tempted anyone who walked through the front doors – the Popcorn Stand (sponsored by Simplot Silica). The color of the food offering was sparkling gold and bright yellow and it looked good enough to eat! Try as I would I could not learn the secret ingredient from the mortals present whose earthly names were James and Candis Mayo.
Next was a very tempting Bake Sale sponsored by the Old Overton Gym Board members, under the guidance of Kay and Ben Robison. This booth was next door to the haunted room where a very long line of strangely disguised beings eagerly waited to tempt the fates.
For those who had a minute and had an appetite there were Frito Pies and Chili available. This eating experience came about due to the volunteers from the Revitalization Committee who assisted chief cooks and bottle washers Chris Green and Denna Anderson.
I wandered out into the moonless night and became aware of witches wandering slowly down the road. I followed them from afar wondering what bewitching event they were gathering for. Soon we reached the Calvary Community Church emblazoned with light, sound and creatures of the night.
There was a raffle for prizes large and small and a food stand where one could find an all American hot dog, sit and watch princesses and clowns and spidermen toss a ball, attempt the cake walk or climb the wall so high from Adventure Glide. For those creatures who wished to hide their earthly appearance, there was a face painting booth and for the adventurer there was a BB Gun Shooting Gallery.
Soon I wandered on with laughter dancing in the air and renewed friendships bringing a smile to my face.