Spookwalk another success for Charles City trick-or-treaters

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

Just remember to save some of that candy for later, kiddos.

It was “Game On,” as video games were the theme at this year’s Spookwalk in Charles City. Hordes of costumed kids took part in the fun and exciting event that allows youngsters and their parents the chance to interact with businesses and organizations from the area.

The fall weather was perfect for kids to stock up on treats from each of the creative booths. The lines were long on the riverfront just down from the public library, but that didn’t mean a lengthy wait to be able to navigate the trail.

“It feels like two seconds,” said one young girl dressed as a princess near the back of the line.

Spookwalk is in its 22nd year and is the longest running event put on by Charles City Community Revitalization.

“This is community. This interaction is incredible,” said Emily Garden, Charles City events coordinator.

Garden remembers as a kid taking part in Spookwalk and the long lines that came with it. Garden said more than 1,200 kids participated in the event last year.

“It’s massive,” said Garden. “It’s a huge deal. We had our first person line up out here at 3:20 p.m.”

The event started at 5 p.m. with a pre-entry period where kids with special sensory needs could walk through the trail to avoid large crowds. Garden said about 10 families participated in that early walkthrough.

“They were just incredibly pleased to have that chance to come through,” said Garden. “We were really happy to be able offer that.”

The lines remained long well after 6 p.m, when Charles City’s Becky Boerschel was there with her family. Even though they were near the tail end of the line, they didn’t seem to mind.

“It’s good for the kids. They have an opportunity to support the community,” said Boerschel.

One member of Boerschel’s group said that her school was offering a free pass to the front of the line this week if you could come closest to guessing how many jelly beans were in a jar.

One group near the back of the line that snaked all way to the front of City Hall was from Indiana.

Garden said she was very pleased with everyone who contributed to make this year’s Spookwalk a success.

“If you look at the variety of organizations that sign up, from real estate to corporate to medical to emergency response — to anything,” said Garden. “Looking down the line it’s really cool to see the variety of costumes and the expression that kids get to use on Halloween is fantastic.”

Winners of this year’s awards for best booths are as follows:

• Best Use of Theme – First Security Bank and Trust.

• Most Creative – Immaculate Conception School.

• Community Revitalization President’s Choice – Valero.

• Mayor’s Choice – Floyd County Medical Center Clinic.