Oct. 30, 2012 — The “Just Say Boo to Drugs” Treat Fest will be held indoors this year because of worsening weather conditions.
The event is scheduled Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Wetherby Gymnasium and Laughlin Health Building on the campus of Morehead State University
“MSU is really going all out to help with this,” said Jeff Fannin, organizer. “It’s all going to be inside, except for the wrecked car scene.”
The wrecked car scene fits the theme of the party. Fannin hopes children will see the wrecked car and realize it’s not safe to get in a vehicle with anyone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“This whole thing started for the protection of children,” Fannin said. “Times have changed. It’s not safe for parents to let their children walk the streets.”
More than 50 participating businesses, churches and organizations have registered to pass out candy and prizes to trick-or-treaters.
“They can’t say trick-or-treat,” Tracy Williams, executive director of the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, said. “If they say, ‘Trick or treat,’ they can’t get candy. They have to say, ‘Boo to drugs.’ It will be a great night of fun and treats!”
Children not only will receive candy and prizes, Fannin said. They will get anti-drug education.
He expects more than 1,000 children to attend.
“While they’re standing in line, we’re going to have lots of things,” he said. “Ronald McDonald is going to be there. Hopefully we’ll have some mimes, and maybe some clowns.”
“It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” movie will be playing, as well. There will be five inflatables. Coffee and hot chocolate will be available, as well as popcorn, cotton candy and possibly, hot dogs.
“Without MSU I feel very sure the event would have been cancelled,” Fannin said. “All hats off to them.”
He said each participant will be making the statement that they care about the safety of the community’s children.
Participants giving treats should enter through the back door of Laughlin and set up from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Children should enter through the front doors of Wetherby Gymnasium on East Main Street.
Nicole Sturgill can be reached at nsturgill@themoreheadnews.com or by telephone at 784-4116.
