BELLE FOURCHE—There were spooky spirits and mischievous monsters as far as the eye could see on October 31, as a seemingly endless line of costumed characters stretched out the doors of the Belle Fourche Rec Center, across the parking lot and down the sidewalk, all waiting to get inside for the annual Halloween Spooktacular.
The free indoor trick-or-treating event drew a record-setting crowd of approximately 747 attendees this year. When the excited participants finally made it inside of the gymnasium, they were greeted with 25 booths handing out treats and providing Halloween fun for everyone.
The gym was dimly lit, creating a spooky atmosphere. The booths zigzagged around the space, providing a lot of room for everyone to get treats. There were games spread throughout the stations that kids could stop and play.
The event has been a staple in the community for over 25 years, and finding new ways to entertain the masses takes planning. “New this year is the food truck [Rollin in the Hills] that we have out front, we’re hoping maybe we can build on that. We actually have a coffee truck that’s nearby too, and we’ve already talked, and they plan on joining us next year. So we’re trying to bring in some of that stuff,” explained Tessa Anderson-Voyles, Program Coordinator. “And then out in the lobby, we have a couple vendors there too—4H Shooting Sports is out there, and they’re selling garbage bags—little fundraiser… somebody is selling shaved ice and some snacks, and then a photographer [Oxbow & Ember] is out there as well.”
The Great Pumpkin was parked right outside for participants to take pictures with if they wanted to. “Chad Carr brought his pumpkin, he used to do that for years and years, bring that up for us… he’s back again. That’s really cool, just to have that out there,” said Anderson-Voyles.
Those who wanted to enter the costume contest were invited to show off their creations for a chance to win a prize. Awards were given for the cutest, funniest, scariest and most original costumes, with winners selected from age divisions 0–3, 4–6, 7–9 and 10–13, along with a family category.
The Rec Center is appreciative to those that support its event every year. They couldn’t have the event without community support. Businesses, clubs and organizations that had a treat booth set up this year included Highmark Credit Union, TREC Badlands Head Start, American Colloid Company, Dinosaurs of the Hell Creek Museum, Belle Fourche Police Department, Belle Fourche Public Library, Runnings, Monument Health – Belle Fourche Clinic, Liberty Tax, Jackson Dental, Elizabeth Ann’s Bridal, Belle Fourche Fine Arts Boosters, N.A.R.F.E., United Church of Christ, FCCLA, Shannon’s Super Fun Daycare, VFW Post 3312, Pain & Movement Solutions, Calvary Church, Oxbow & Ember Photography, Adam Dodson, Belle Fourche Volunteer Fire Department, Belle Fourche Rec Center, Northern Hills Shooting Sports and Belle Fourche Silver Lining.
Businesses, organizations and individuals who didn’t have a booth but still wanted to support the area youth by donating candy, money or items included Gillette Fence, Belle Fourche Lions Club, Pioneer Bank & Trust, Butte Badger 4-H Club, Walmart, Duke Boston State Farm, Plain Jane Photo and Video, Rollin in the Hills Food Truck, Frontier Glass, Phyllis Enderle, Carr Coatings, Lin Kramer, Butte County Ambulance Service and Posy Palace.
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