Volunteers needed for community Halloween party

By Nikki Jamieson
Taber Times
njamieson@tabertimes.com

It’s OK to be scared; monsters and ghouls are about to descend on Taber for the 32nd annual Community Halloween Party.

Held at the Taber Community Centre, director of recreation Aline Holmen says the goal of the party is to give everyone a “free, fun and safe” Halloween.

“We want to keep our community members safe and give them a fun, viable option where they can take their kids out in a safe environment,” said Holmen. “Some years its freezing rain, others might not necessarily know many people in town, not sure where to go, there’s trust issues in what you’re getting for candy, those kinds of things.”

“It’s more then just being about the candy, there’s a social aspect as well.”

Attendees will be treated to a hot dog supper and, of course, candy throughout the evening. Bouncy castles and games galore will be available for the attendees, who will be given plenty of candy. A few new activities are being kept under wraps, but kids will be able to get a balloon in the shape of a dog.

“We are bringing in a balloon animal artist, which the kids seem to love. We try to change it up every year, add something a little different.”

Volunteers are still needed for the event, as it is hard work handing out candy to the expected 600 attendees.

“We’re still short some volunteers; it’s a challenge for us every year,” said Holmen, adding they need to have about 30 volunteers to put on the party. “It takes as many as we can get, as it gives others a break. There’s a lot of dedicated volunteers that will work the entire party, but some also like to be at home and hand out candy to kids, so the more people we have, we can do shifts. So we will take anybody that’s interested in helping us out.”

With the help of local businesses and sponsors, the party organizers will be able to have enough candy to hand out. Items like toys or toothbrushes are also available to be handed out in place of candy. Additionally, people can trade candy for posters telling trick-or-treaters that they’re not home, or buy the signs for $25.50. The Halloween party will take place on Oct. 31 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Taber Community Centre Auditorium. If you wish to volunteer, call Teri Cook at the Aquafun Centre at 403-223-5544 ext. 3.