Boo Bash Scares Up Fun

October 20, 2007

By CAROLINE KLAPPER
Index-Journal Staff Writer

October is a time of spooky, scary fun, but there are real-life scary things out there that no one wants to encounter, even on Halloween.

Safe and fun are teh themes behind the seventh annual Boo Bash in Uptown Greenwood.  Uptown Greenwood Development Corporation and Cornerstone are joining forces to present the event, which provides children with a safe place to trick-or-treat and concludes Red Ribbon Week, a drug and alcohol awareness campaign.

"This was a way for us to give the community a safe venue for trick-or-treating," said Angie Jones with UGDC.  "It also has a message: Say, 'Boo' to drugs."

The evening begins at 5:30 PM Thursday and this year packs in more fun events and contests than ever.

Trick-or-treats will be welcome at participating Uptown merchant locations until 7 PM for candy and fun activities.

At 7:15 PM, a costume contest will let people of all ages show off their creative ensembles.  The age groups are infant (up to age 2), pre-school (ages 2-3), K4 and K5, first and second grade, third and fourth grade, fifth and sixth grade, seventh to 12th grade, and adults.  Prizes are awarded to the winners in each category.

Kids won't want to miss the Haunted Pirate Paradise Courtyard next to the Federal Building, complete with spoky surroundings and costumed actors from the Greenwood Community Theatre.

Come hungry because Hardee's is once again sponsoring a "Monster" burger eating competition, and McCaslan's Bookstore is getting into the act, too with a "Spooktakular" book signing featuring author John Boyanoski and his book, "Ghosts of the Upstate South Carolina."

Teresa Pollard, director of community outreach with Cornerstone, said the idea behind Boo Bash is to promote healthy lifestyles.

"What they really wanted to do was provide a community event that would allow families to come together and have fun and do things but also celebrate healthy and drug-free lifestyles," she said.

"We really do try to put across that message that you can have fun without drinking and drugging," she added.

Boo Bash has grown over the years, she said, adding even more community organizations and merchants are participating this year than in years past.

"It has really grown, and I am just thrilled with the level of community support," Pollard said.  "It really has become a community event."

All of the activities and events are free and open to the public.

"It really gives families a chance to not only do the traditional trick-or-treating but also participate in activities as a family," Pollard said, adding, "I really do think the adults have fun, too.  It's more than just your traditional trick-or-treating.  We want people to come up and have a good time, but we want them to remember.  We want them to focus on healthy lifestyles."

For information, call 942-8448 or visit the UGDC website at www.uptowngreenwood.com.