The Stevens Point Area YMCA is preparing safe, fun Halloween for children, inviting children, grades K-6 to take part in the annual Halloween overnighter from 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, to 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30.
"The YMCA is a great place for kids to celebrate Halloween," said Pete Matthai, youth and teen director. "We provide fun, safe, age-appropriate activities for school-aged children."
Last year more than 80 youths from Portage County came dressed in costumes to participate in a variety of Halloween activities. This year's events include a costume contest, haunted hallway, midnight mile, late night movies, gym activities and swimming. Pizza will be served at midnight, and breakfast at dawn, and there are prizes to be won.
Children are asked to bring a swimming suit and towel, tennis shoes and a sleeping bag. The youths will be supervised at all times by the youth/teen director, adult volunteers and Youth in Government high school students.
"Families want to know that their children are being looked after, and at the same time, engaged in enjoyable, worthwhile activities. They know that the Stevens Point Area YMCA is there to do just that," Matthai said
Adding to this year's festivities, Halloween at the YMCA is sponsored by Pepsi-Cola and Frito Lay, which have chosen the nation's YMCAs as a "Charity of Choice." Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers in Wisconsin Rapids will provide Pepsi products for the Stevens Point event.
Advanced registration is required for the overnighter and enrollment is limited. There is a fee of $20 for Y-members and $30 for general public. All proceeds assist youth and teen programs. A signed permission slip and health form is required upon registration. Contact the Stevens Point Area YMCA at 342-2980 for more information.