SCARY HOLIDAY: Tamworth’s PCYC is planning a Halloween party and trick-or-treating. Pictured are, front from left, Lily Fox, Makayla O’Leary and Bella Fox, with, back from left, Don Biddell, Natalia Fox, PCYC manager Kylie O’Leary and Billy Ide. Photo: Barry Smith 191012BSB04
IT’S approaching the time of year when all the ghouls and ghosts come out.
But often, because it’s not an Australian tradition, Halloween and trick-or-treating are a scary experience for children who want to get dressed up and see what all the fuss is about.
Recognising that more and more parents of young children are looking for somewhere safe to trick-or-treat, Tamworth’s PCYC has planned a user-friendly event to make this Halloween an enjoyable one.
On Saturday night the PCYC will host a Halloween party for youngsters.
“We had heard so many stories from parents about children wanting to try trick-or-treating but who had bad experiences walking the streets in their neighbourhood,” PCYC manager Kylie O’Leary said.
“Everything from having doors slammed in faces to people just being rude.
“We thought it would be a good way of providing a safe, controlled way to let the kids indulge in the fun of Halloween without the stress.”
Preparations for the event, to be held at the PCYC on Darling St, have been under way for the past week.
The plan is to use the five interior doors of the PCYC to celebrate a different theme – nutty nurses and spooky scientists are two examples – and allow the children to knock on each and trick-or-treat.
“There will be activities and things they can look at and experience as they make their way around the doors,” Mrs O’Leary said.
“At each door the children will be provided lollies, just like they would if they were in America participating in Halloween.”
Mrs O’Leary said she hoped the idea would help parents.
“It’s safe it’s controlled, they can be here watching and with the children and be reassured they will have a great experience,” she said.
Parents keen to take advantage of the opportunity must book a time slot and provide PCYC staff with an idea of how many children they will bring, for catering purposes.
“It will just be a fun event to dress up and have a good time,” Mrs O’Leary said.
Bookings can be made by phoning 6766 5009.
Halloween dates back to the 16th century and is celebrated annually on October 31.