The Iola Police Department and Kiwanis Club were hoping to have an even bigger crowd than they had at the first Boo Bash last year. Little did they know it would take only 45 minutes of the second annual Boo Bash to eclipse last year’s attendance.
“Last year it was on Halloween night so I think that probably hurt the numbers,” Iola police officer Mike Ford said. “Plus last year was the first year and I don’t know if people were expecting it.”
The joint venture is designed to give area kids a fun and safe place to begin their Halloween.
The three-hour event featured a hayrack ride, a train ride, several inflatable bouncy castles, a haunted house, a face-painting station and several other games and activities. Those who attended were also served a meal and the entire event cost each participant only $5.
“We just try to provide a safe area for the kids to come out and have fun,” Ford said. “For five bucks there is an awful lot to do, We are just trying to provide a fun place for everyone to be safe and have a good time.”
The Police Department and Kiwanis Club had plenty of help running the numerous activities with students from Allen Community College helping man the stations.
The Red Devil baseball team, cheerleaders and theatre department were among the students that helped. Allen Athletic Director Doug Desmarteau says the Boo Bash is one of several community events that his teams enjoy helping put on.
“It is good for our athletes and it is good for the kids,” Desmarteau said. “It is great to see them interact and our kids enjoy giving back to the community. This allows everyone to see them and meet them, before they hopefully come out and see them on the field. All of our athletes give back to the community at some point during the year.”
Desmarteau also brought his own children to the event and says that the event is a highlight of the Halloween weekend.
“Everyone has fun and has a good time,” Desmarteau said. “It is a great event.”
SCARY GOOD TIME: Boo Bash is blast for kids
