CHILDREN, FAMILIES GATHER IN UPTOWN FOR BOO BASH

Ronald McDonald poses with Spidermen Andrew and Hunter Gossett during
Thursday night's Boo Bash in Uptown Greenwood.

Uptown filled quickly Thursday night as Spider-Man, Snow White and a
host of witches, goblins and monsters took to the streets in search of
candy.

Billed as a free family event, the annual Boo Bash offered traditional
Halloween activities like costume contests and trick-or-treating. But
there was more, though -- a message delivered to children with almost
every piece of candy handed out.

The event's theme was "Say Boo to Drugs," with volunteers providing
information and tips with children and parents to emphasize the
message of staying drug and alcohol-free.

The theme tied into the ongoing events of Red Ribbon
Week.

"You don't need drugs to have a good time," said Allen Easler,
prevention specialist with Cornerstone who volunteered his time for
the event. "You don't need alcohol, tobacco or any type of other drug
to have a good time."

Present were members of police and fire departments, as well as
volunteers reinforcing education initiatives and area safety
campaigns. "Our safety team is trying to get information into the
schools on stranger awareness," said Sue Beasley of Capsugel, who
handed out brochures to parents about child safety. "We were asked to
come out here and hand out stranger awareness tips to the children --
and candy."

When the bash began at 5:30 p.m., lines of children bracketed the
various games available on the Uptown streets. By 6 p.m., though, game
space was being accommodated by crowds for walking.

Last year, more than 2,000 kid participated in the event, and at least
as many turned out Thursday.

"It started very small, and has continued to grow," said Laurie
Fallaw, director of outreach services for Cornerstone. "The community
has taken this up and really enjoyed it. It's on a school night, it's
a reasonable time, the Uptown merchants come together, and we have
games here for everyone to play."

Organizers collected 600 pounds of candy to distribute, she
said.

"It's more like traditional trick-or-treating," said Paula Brooks,
director of Uptown Greenwood Development Corp., describing the appeal
of the bash. "Some of the other events you just go to one place and
play the games -- with this they actually get to go out and trick or
treat."