Spooky fun for JB MDL families Published Oct. 20, 2011 By Airman Ryan Throneberry Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Halloween is just around the corner and the 87th Force Support Squadron staff is scaring up some family fun at the Halloween Fest 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 28 at Tommy B's Community Activities Center. This event provides a safe and fun environment for the joint base community members and their families. Little ghouls and goblins can look forward to several activities. A returning favorite this year is "trunk or treating," in which parents decorate the trunks of their cars in all the Halloween trimmings and divvy out what kids look forward to most during this holiday - candy. A contest will be held afterward to see who had the most decked-out trunk. "This safe and creative twist on the classic Halloween tradition allows children of all ages to get into the spirit," said Mary Ann Fleck, 87th Force Support Squadron special events coordinator assistant. "Doing the traditional door-to-door trick or treating in a neighborhood can be a hassle for families with little ones. It's safer and easier for everyone." A new treat this year will be a live disc jockey spinning some of the Halloween classics, while actively involving the audience with games and dances. All the super-heroes, goblins, princesses, fairies, ghosts and ghouls will have a chance to strut his or her stuff in the costume parade at the end of the night. The best costume of the night will receive a prize. Other activities this year include festive face painting, where kids can complete their costumes with the help of seasoned face-painting veterans. The event will be an arts and crafts area so kids can customize their very own pumpkin bag or stay in the lines on a coloring page. One of the rooms in the community center will be dedicated to spooky Scooby-Doo movies for everyone's viewing pleasure. Snacks and beverages will also be available as well. Fleck said she and her 9-year-old daughter, Rhiannon, are both dressing up as cats this year and are excited for this year's Halloween Fest. This is Fleck's first big event with the 87th FSS and said she's more than happy to have a hand in the planning. Marianne Tatcher, 87th FSS special events coordinator, said she is looking forward to potentially bringing her three grandchildren to this event. She said each year, more and more families have attended. "We had about 420 kids and their families show up to last year's Halloween Fest," said Tatcher. "This year we are expecting more than 500 kids to turn up, which is huge. Luckily, we have security forces members to safeguard the event." Tatcher has been the special events coordinator for six years and she said she loves her job. "I enjoy being the coordinator because these events are a great morale booster for the community members," she said. "I love to bring these fun family events to the base." Pudgy's will be having a Halloween Party after this event for the parents to blow off some steam. Guests can dress up in their scariest or funniest costume and enter to win prizes. Tatcher also mentioned her is always in need of volunteers. Call 754-2830 if interested in lending a helping hand.