Parks Dept. offering four Halloween events next week

Capturing first place in the family category of the Gingerbread Haunted House Challenge were Danielle Miller and Caleb Rollins for the "Gummy's Haunted House."

Greencastle Parks and Recreation has scheduled four Halloween-themed events to which the public is invited during the week of Oct. 22- 26.

On Tuesday, Oct. 22, the Parks Department will have its Brickmania: Frank N. Stein monster-building event.

Pre-registration for the 6:30-8:30 p.m. event at Greencastle City Hall is required by Monday, Oct. 21. Entry fee is $9 per person (with a maximum of 12 entrants).

What better Halloween Brickmania project than building your own monster? The first 12 participants will receive parts and pieces to build their own Frank N. Stein monster, some decorated Lego-shaped monster sugar cookies, a juice drink and the opportunity to free-build with the department's building blocks.

Leftover Brickmania projects and "Build Your Own" mini-figures will be available for purchase.

On Wednesday, Oct. 23, the Putnam County Public Library will be the scene for the Park Department's Holiday Edition of Mommy and Me, open to area toddlers and their caregivers.

This session (Oct. 23-Dec. 4) will include stories about each of our holiday seasons, holiday-themed games, crafts and snacks. People may even share their "secret family recipes" for your special holiday gathering.

The first meeting will include a non-scary, in-the-daylight Halloween party. Costumes are optional, but there will be some things on hand to throw a costume or disguise together. Some treats, games and stories are also planned.

Dates for the Mommy and Me program are Wednesdays, from Oct. 23 to Dec. 4 with a time of 9:30-11:30 a.m. The site will be a variety of locations around town (first meeting at the library).

Fee is $25 for the full session or $5 per day.

On Thursday, Oct. 24, the Parks Department will host the program "Make Your Halloween a Success!" at the Putnam County Museum from 10-11:30 a.m. Cost of the program is $10 per family.

Those having a Halloween party for kids, adults or anyone just wanting ideas to make your house the trick-or-treat envy of the neighborhood will hear about more than 60 ideas for drinks, food, snacks, party favors, decorating and displays.

Meanwhile, first-place winner in the age 5-9 kit category was Hunter Miller for his "Haunted Mansion on Hallow Eve" entry. Other first places (not pictured) were Ty Ishikawa for his "Abandoned Vampire Castle" in the original entry category for age 5-9 and Emi Fukudah in the individual Gingerbread Haunted House competition for "Sweets Scare S-Eater." The winners were honored at the October Greencastle Park Board meeting at City Hall.

Activities will include how to decorate a pumpkin, how to display trick-or-treat bags and what to do for dinner Halloween night.

On Saturday, Oct. 26 the annual Pink Halloween Fun Run is scheduled.

The fourth annual Halloween 5K Fun Run/Walk is a fun and healthy fundraiser in the search for a cure for breast cancer. Runners can compete or just participate for fun.

Although participants are encouraged to dress in costume, everyone must wear running shoes. Outfits must be family appropriate and safe for running without causing harm to yourself or other runners.

Registration is set for 9-9:45 a.m. at shelterhouse No. 5 at Greencastle's Robe-Ann Park with race time 10 a.m.

Registration is free but donations for the fight against breast cancer are encouraged.

Anyone with questions about any of the park events may contact Assistant Director Troy Scott at 653-3395 or via email at tscott@cityofgreencastle.com