Photos and story by Rick Hiduk
Three hundred people or more found their way to the Meshoppen ball park for the annual Meshoppen Holiday Fund Halloween Party on October 31. At least half of those in attendance donned a costume of some sort, themes running the gamut from popular movie characters and ghoulish zombies to princesses and family acts. The costume contest and other activities are open to participants of all ages, and many adults showed their Halloween spirit.
The event was coordinated by Holly Stark, who was assisted by a number of volunteers, including her husband, Rick (above). Helpers served coffee and warm cider, donuts, apples, hot dogs and other treats (below).
Others dolled out Halloween novelties to everyone who entered the costume parade, including strobing tubes and jewelry and other gifts made possible by donations.
Three representatives of the Kiwanis Wyoming County Fair Queen’s court (below) took on the tough job once again of judging so many creative costumes, as well as the pumpkins and scarecrows.
Prizes were awarded in various categories in three age groups. Prizes were also awarded for pumpkin carvers and painters and scarecrow makers.
Holly Stark emceed the party and kept up the soundtrack of time-honored spooky favorites like “The Monster Mash,” “Thriller,” and “I Put a Spell on You.” She took the time to thank as many supporters of the event as possible. It was a characteristically chilly night, so parents were quick to take their little ones home as Stark read the list of winners and they received their prize envelopes.
A number of people (below) stayed be behind to help finish up the snacks and beverages and take down and pack up the decorations for use again next year.
Winners names and additional photos featuring costumes will be posted as soon as the information becomes available.
Costume entrants (above) gather at the registration table.
While many of the entries in the pumpkin carving and painting contest were brought to the park already finished, some participants, such as Eric Cortright (above) further embellished his offering after he arrived.
The Wyoming County Kiwanis, always big supporters of the event, were represented by Wyoming County Fair royalty, including (from left) Alyssa Sickler, Madison Sickler, and Emma Rushworth.
This unidentified baby (above) stayed cozy in a little barn affixed to his wagon.
Scarecrows and decorated pumpkins (above) entered at the Meshoppen Halloween party become more numerous and more creative each year.
Two boys (left) ponder the variety of snack food, while two others chow down on a few dogs.