By Polina Zadirey, Contributing Writer
It’s now that scary time of the year. It’s time for carving pumpkins, telling scary stories, candy, and doing fun events with your friends and family!
The Downtown Dade City’s Spooktacular event took place in Dade City on Oct. 28. It was a joy for the whole family: trick-or-treating for kids and pets, music, games and activities, and costume contests for kids, pets, and adults.
“Charlotte Lewis from Prelude Academy of the Arts and Paul Lewis from Treehouse Mercantile came up with the idea of this event, and it is already our second year of doing it. So, the event itself is in combination with the city of Dade City and all the area of businesses. We go together to promote the community and bring people into the businesses,” said Ann Cosentino, a commissioner of Dade City and one of the organizers.
Participants received free bags for trick-or-treating and a list of participating local businesses so people could walk around and go inside to pick their candy. This was great because it was an opportunity for kids and parents, even their pets, to have fun and also get to know local businesses where they could find something useful to them, such as Bonita Flower Shop, Antiques on the Main Street, and Out of Our Hands Gallery.
Many of those places had their activities and games, and Prelude Academy of the Arts built a haunted house in their school where the Halloween atmosphere and spirit could be felt. Face painting and decorated picture spots were also available.
“I just came here, and it already seems so cool! I’ve seen the event flyer and decided to come to have some fun today. I am planning to play some games and later get a pizza”, said Hayley Swafford, a participant in the event.
The event also boasted a costume contest. The money collected from participating in the competition went to a charity for The Dade City Youth Council, which helps our young generations to stay in touch and have a voice!
Events like this are always a great chance to spend time with your family and friends, meet new people, and enjoy the holiday.
