Flaco Guapo Media
Photos/ story courtesy of and by permission from Conexión San Ángelo
SAN ANGELO – Even though Halloween at the Y started 12 years ago, it didn’t explode until three years ago. And when it did, it seemed like every character, creature and superhero showed up from every four corners of the community to converge on one central location, 353 S. Randolph, more specifically on Hodges Circle.
Cassandra Reyna, daughter of Annesa Marie, dressed as a good little witch.
The annual Halloween at the YMCA had approximately 3500 plus families came out with their children, dressed up in their favorite costumes--ranging from a little witch, a princess, Captain America, Disney's family--The Incredibles, queen of the Nile, a vampire, Ant Man, Venom, a dark Unicorn girl, little Bat baby girl, etc. Also taking place after dark, was a judging contest in four categories: cutest costume, scariest costume, group costume and original costume.
YMCA CEO, A.J. Moore, noticed that when the Y held it outside in 2015, that’s when it really took off.
To accommodate the overflow crowd, the YMCA staff/ volunteers on hand totaled “about 150 staff people, including our after-school staff and about 250 volunteers, comprised of ASU students,” said Moore.
A.J. gave a shout out, that is credit to Y staff member, Kasey Adkins, Director of After School Programs for helping him.
Moore told Conexión he believed Halloween at the Y exploded because of word of mouth, it was held in a safe place and is well organized.
“We’ve got some things that are scary, some that are fun with photos of kids dressed up in their favorite costumes. Of course, Halloween wouldn’t be the kids’ favorite spookiest holiday event without—candy!
Halloween at the Y had a plethora of 60 games and activities for kids of all ages. There was the Monster Walk, the haunted house bean bag toss, bounce houses, train rides, part of the Y was turned into a haunted house.