Spooks descend on Civic Center walking trail

Gouls and goblins haunted the Civic Center walking trail Saturday night. From the beginning of the trail, visitors were welcomed by, from left, David Goode, Charlotte Lalonde, Carlene Brown and Kayla Brown.

In all, 120 people, including 69 children, participated in the Saturday evening festivities. The number came as a shock on such a spooky night.

?We were hoping for 50,? said Barnes. ?So I made up enough bags for that many but I had enough for 100. When I saw how many children were showing up, I had to go make some more.?

As predicted, spooks and goblins of all ages turned out for the special occasion dressed in their Halloween outfits. Having the kids dressed up, as well as the trail monsters, added to the evening.

?We had a lot of fun,? said Barnes. ?It was wonderful to see all them walking along the trail in the dark. Not only did we scare them, they scared each other.?

After walking the haunted trail, children joined together under the Jungle Jym pavilion for treats, pizza, drinks and treat bags. While the children were eating, spooky stories were told by Magness Library employees three different times during the evening.

Thanks to the success of its inaugural year, Parks and Recreation is planning to make the festivities an annual event.