Heights Parks and Recreation Department hosts Halloween Hoopla at Carl Levin Park
Posted On: Sunday, Nov. 1 2009 05:02 AM
By Victor O'Brien
Killeen Daily HeraldHARKER HEIGHTS – One look around Saturday and there was no doubt what all the "hoopla" was about. Carl Levin Park succumbed to the sights, sounds and scary faces of Halloween Saturday.
Hundreds of ghosts, goblins, superheroes and Cinderellas filled the park, accompanied of course by their parents at Halloween Hoopla. Harker Heights Parks and Recreation Department sponsored the family-oriented Halloween event Saturday.
The event delivered hundreds of bags of candy to children who played on moonbounces, competed in carnival games and excitedly waited in line to get their faces painted. The early evening event was a laid-back and safe Halloween for children, most under the age of 8.
The highlight of the evening was a performance of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" by Union Grove Middle School's Golden Bells. Twenty girls transformed themselves into frightening zombies to recreate the experience of Jackson's famed music video.
"I think 'Thriller' is the kind of dance to perform on Halloween because it's scary and you can give a thrill to the people who watch you," said Shelby Burke, 12.
The "Thriller" performance coaxed dance moves out of the young and old. Destiny Ramon, 2, couldn't quite move her feet, but raised her hands and bobbed her head imitating the zombie dancers.
The event drew more than 800 families last year, said Nichole Broemer, recreation and events coordinator for the parks and recreation department. Several hundred arrived in just the first hour.
Parents said the event gives the children more excitement than trick-or-treating down streets because they see more costumes and play in more activities.
For some children, the event was the highlight of the evening. For others, the "Halloween Hoopla" was a prelude to a night of trick-or-treating in their neighborhoods.
"It's more for them to do. It's really good because it's safe. They enjoying seeing other costumes," Shawlonda Harris said. Harris' daughter, Naomi Harris, 5, dressed as Sharpay from "High School Musical," while son Chris, 5, sported an Elmo outfit.
Shawlonda Harris joined in with her children as a ghoul, wearing white face paint.
Saturday's event was made possible with the help of donations and volunteers, many of whom shared in the children's excitement.
"It's just so delightful to have such sweet little faces being excited to play in the sun. It's the excitement in their faces," said Jerri Sutton, who handed out candy bags to hundreds of children as a volunteer.
Contact Victor O'Brien at
vobrien@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7468.