October 13, 2011
By Erin Murray, Army Flier Staff Writer
FORT RUCKER, Ala. — Multiple Fort Rucker organizations will be hosting Halloween events for both children and adults in the upcoming weeks, ranging from old-fashioned fun to frightening.
The various on-post Halloween events are a great chance for every member of the community to have a little spooky fun, said Janice Erdlitz, Fort Rucker Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation marketing director.
“DFMWR enjoys the opportunity to create fun events, and Halloween always brings out creative ideas. We have something for all Family members,” she said.
The Center Library and Fort Rucker riding stables will provide events specifically for young children. The riding stables will host the annual Children’s Fall Festival Oct. 22 from 4 p.m. until dark.
“There will be games, inflatables, concessions, horse rides, pony rides and a costume contest for kids age 10 and under. It will be a fun-filled event that the whole Family can enjoy,” said Leda Green, program manager of the equestrian center.
Oct. 25, children ages 3-11 will be able to assemble a Halloween-themed take-home craft at the Center Library from 4-5 p.m. Guests will also receive treat bags and children are encouraged to wear their costumes to the activity. The event is open to the first 65 children to register, which can be done at the library.
Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers hosts a Haunted House Oct. 22 from 6-10 p.m. at Fortenberry-Colton Physical Fitness Center. Admission to the haunted house is two canned food items, baby food or baby formula and goes to benefit the post food locker program. In previous years, the BOSS haunted house has drawn more than 1,000 attendants and collected 2,500 canned goods.
Erdlitz said that the BOSS haunted house is especially fun for those wanting to “have an extra fright” for a good cause this Halloween.
Fright Night at the Riding Stables takes place Oct. 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. This 3-mile hayride takes guests on a spooky journey based on the story of Edmund Rucker and his 16 children, complete with a walk through the cemetery, “Purgatory Trail of Terror” and the “Barn of Screams.” Tickets are $8 and are available at the stables and in Leisure Travel Services in Bldg. 5700, Rm. 130. Fright Night is open to the public, and Green offered a few tips for those planning to attend.
“We are recommending that children under the age of 12 do not attend this event. If they do come they need to have adult supervision with them at all times. Guests should be aware that they will be walking on part of this year’s trails, so they need to wear comfortable shoes that they don’t mind getting dusty. We want everyone to be able and come out and have the creepiest, most fun Halloween ever at the Fort Rucker Riding Stables,” she said.
Rucker Lanes will host Monster Bowl Oct. 28, with extreme bowling from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. Along with all-night bowling, there will be a costume contest at 9:30 p.m. Best adult and child costumes will receive a free bowling ball.
The Monster Ball costume contest and dance will be held at The Landing Zone Oct. 29 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Monster Ball is open to the public ages 18 and older, and cash prizes will be available to several best costume winners.
Those looking to add a little fitness to their Halloween fun can participate in the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Facility’s Spooky 5k, 1-mile fun run and costume contest Oct. 29 at 9 a.m., with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. The event is open to the public, and participation in the fun run is free. Costume contest winners will receive trophies and fun run participants will receive medals. To register for the 5k, call 255-3794.