LOCAL children will be scared out of their wits on Friday night when the PCYC throws open its doors to reveal a haunted house for Halloween.
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The centre will be strewn with cobwebs and creepy-crawlies to celebrate the spooky tradition, which is becoming increasingly popular in Tamworth each year, club manager Kylie O’Leary said.
She said children will be guided through the rooms of the haunted house as opposed to door-knocking on the street.
“It can make kids a bit disappointed if not everyone in the community is into it,” she said.
She said it was important children remained safe while they went door-to-door for treats.
“Safety-wise, you’ve got to be very careful,” Mrs O’Leary said.
PCYC workers and volunteers all had working-with-children checks and it was a great opportunity for the kids to dress up, play games, run around and have fun.
Bella Fox, who planned to dress up as Bat Bella, was looking forward to trick-or-treating and said she hoped there would be plenty of her favourite lolly – snakes.
Mrs O’Leary said the night wasn’t going to be just a sugar-overload, as Snow White would be handing out apples to children.
Coles South store manager Tanya LeGarde said there had been a spike in confectionery sales, particularly multi-pack chocolates, showing locals were getting prepared for potential trick-or-treaters.
She said buckets of lollies, wigs, spiders, fake webs, witches’ hats and carving pumpkins were all selling well.
“People have gotten a bit more into it this year compared to last year,” Ms LeGarde said.
Wayne’s World Tamworth store manager David Rose agreed Halloween was growing in popularity.
“Each year there’s a little bit more,” he said.
“It’s really being embraced in Tamworth.”
Mr Rose said Halloween merchandise sales had swelled dramatically in the past week, and though costumes were selling steadily, people were getting more creative.
“People are getting more involved in face-painting this year, more so than masks,” he said. “Maybe people are making their own masks and putting together costumes at home.”
Mrs O’Leary said bookings for the PCYC event were essential and there would be a staggered start to the night – milder at 5pm and 6pm for younger kids, with the scare factor ramped up for the older children later in the night.
Tickets cost $10 and can be booked through the PCYC office on 6766 5009.