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Spook City set for Oct. 30 |
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Monday, 29 September 2008 |
Downtown Benton is preparing for one spooky evening.
The annual Spook City event will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30. This will be the third festival, which has attracted thousands of Saline County residents to the downtown area.
“Spook City is geared for the lighter, fun side of Halloween,” said Lisa Baldwin, event coordinator. “All activities are planned with young children in mind. All children must be accompanied and supervised by adults.”
Admission is free “because everyone profits from promoting Downtown Benton,” she said.
The Saline County Courthouse lawn will be the site for a $1 haunted house sponsored by Court Appointed Special Advocates, Baldwin said, noting that additional activities will be sponsored by various county agencies around the gazebo.
Other new attractions include a large petting zoo and Bongo Willie, Baldwin said. Bongo Willie originates from Columbia and interacts with children by providing instruments for children to play Congo music with him, she explained.
Beginning at 5:30, the Royal Theatre will stage a “spooky” performance every 30 minutes. The short plays are written and performed by the Young Players, the youth theater segment of Royal Players, Baldwin said.
Regions Bank will sponsor a Boo-gie Fever Costume Fashion Show.
“The fashion show will provide dance fun and an opportunity for youngsters to show off their costumes on stage,” Baldwin said.
Throughout the downtown area, 80 business and community groups will provide activities and treats for children, Baldwin said.
Inflatable activities will cost $1-$3 each. Refreshments will be available at a cost throughout Spook City by downtown restaurants, other establishments and fundraising groups.
Baldwin said designated “safe spots” will be located on every corder of Spook City to provide a haven for emergency assistance. Safe spots will be manned by private security businesses, county officials and the Benton Police Department. Police also will be on foot patrol, Baldwin said.
“Parents can beat the crowd and save money by purchasing a Spook City T-shirt in advance for $10 and enjoy unlimited inflatable fun,” she said.
T-shirts may be purchased at Paradise Pets and Wallpaper for Less, Blinds, Etc. & Market Street Gallery.
All of the one-way sections of Sevier, Market, West South and Main streets will be blocked for Spook City, Baldwin noted.
Several treat sponsors will be featured in a Wall of Sponsors, Baldwin said. The event is sponsored by Regions Bank and membership fees of Downtown Benton Inc. Promotions are paid for by Benton Advertising and Promotion Commission.`
For more information, call Baldwin at 317-1696.
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