By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
With the sun shining and the fall foliage in peak colors, Aumiller Park was the location for Bucyrus’ largest masquerade party – the Linda Friend Memorial Spooktacular Saturday.
Spooktacular moved to Aumiller Park last year due to the event’s growth and popularity. The park was filled with ghosts, goblins, princesses, superheroes, and ninjas, and more. The costumed kiddos had no shortage of fun and treats as they went from station to station in search of the next trove of goodies.
Jedediah Vanbuskirk attended the event with his brother Wyatt. Jedediah, who dressed as Jack Skellington from the film “The Nightmare before Christmas”, explained what he enjoyed most about the Spooktacular.
“There is a lot of people dressed in costumes out there. I really like their costumes, I think they are really cool,” Jedediah said.
Wyatt, who dressed like Elvis Presley, noted why he dressed like “The King” as well as his favorite song from Presley.
“He is the number one king rock star,” Wyatt said. “My favorite song is ‘You ain’t Nothing but a Hound Dog’.”
Attending the event with his sister, Isan Cress dressed as a power ranger. Isan explained what he enjoyed about Spooktacular,
“I like coming here to play and get candy,” Isan said.
Isan’s sister Sabree revealed that she came dressed as a person from ancient times.
“I am dressed as an Egyptian princess,” Sabree said.
Dressing as a grandma was Reegan Myers. Myers explained what she liked about the Spooktacular at Aumiller Park.
“I like everything at the Spooktacular, so far my favorite part has been the ones with candy,” Myers said.
The costumes weren’t just for the kiddies as numerous parents dressed up to match their kids’ costumes.
Dawn Buckner was brought to the Spooktacular by her mom Michelle and they dressed as corresponding witches. Dawn, whose witch name was Twinkles, noted what she enjoyed most about Spooktacular.
“I think it is fun,” Dawn said.
The event was spearheaded by the Bucyrus Fire Department who, along with the help of volunteers, directed traffic, handed out candy, and went above and beyond to make the event as safe as possible for the families.
“I am very pleased, hopefully it continues, we got rained out last year, so we wanted to see what it is like with good weather,” said Steve Sargel.
“What a turnout, we got so many great companies out here supporting this. It has grown and grown, and I am just so happy with everybody. I want to thank everybody that has been here. I hope it keeps growing year in and year out,” Fire Chief Jay Keller added.
Sargel explained what he enjoyed most about the Spooktacular event.
“I like that we are providing a fun safe environment for the kids. A lot of times being out in the community they don’t always have that,” Sargel said. “Bringing them here and having a secluded environment for them, it makes them feel a little more secure.”
Numerous businesses chipped in to help out with the Spooktacular from the library, to Avita, to WQEL, and a myriad of others. MB Subculture’s Betsy Gerhart had numerous activities throughout the day.
“We did the zombie walk at 3:30; we are signing people up for the costume contest along with To Begin Again; Ally she is over at (shelter) number 8 and also doing a scavenger hunt,” Gerhart said.
PHOTO GALLERY: 2016 Linda Friend Memorial Spooktacular
Press release
The following people received the top prizes for the costume contest.
MOST CREATIVE:
1st – Azra Berk…
2nd – Rowan Spence
SCARIEST:
1st – Gabe Eggleston
2nd – Kayleen Pratt
FUNNIEST:
1st – Reegan Myers
2nd – Emily Fox
GROUP:
1st – McKena & Braylon Harigle
2nd – Alexis & Kellen Pope
BEST OVERALL:
Landon Strausbaugh
Emma Strausbaugh
Grayson Strausbaugh
If you did not collect your trophy, you may pick it up at MB Subculture, 127 S Sandusky Ave. between 10a-6p M-F.
A BIG thank you to everyone who helped out with the costume contest and scavenger hunt. – Dwayne Heid, Lesley Loose, Michael Loose, and Alyssa Suter and sons of 2 Begin Again located at 109 W Warren St.