Contact Susan Jividen 740-435-3335
CAMBRIDGE – Deerassic Park Education Center would like to thank everyone that attended and participated in our first ever Halloween/Fall Family Fun Festival Saturday October 29 th . Hayrides were offered during the afternoon and kite flying was demonstrated by Pete Mikula, providing a wonderful backdrop for a perfect, crisp, autumn day.
The day's events were geared towards families, while free games and kids crafts were offered into the evening. Attendees were invited into the Pumpkin Patch to select the perfect pumpkin for decorating, while crafters were given individual attention as they were instructed in making corn husk dolls and soap carvings. Kennedy's, Riesbeck's, Tlaquepaque and Wal-Mart donated materials for activities and crafts.
A 24-foot rock climbing wall, sponsored by Stoney's R.V. and the NWDEF, allowed the kids to climb for free. The “Chalk on Rock Wall” out of Marietta had a line the entire time it was open, allowing area youth to experience, hands-on, a unique outdoor recreational activity. Dunning Motor Sales and Speedy Print also provided additional sponsorship for the day's activities.
Kaci Kinnan was the closest guess of 1600, without going over, for the candy corn guessing game. The actual number was 1,634. Thanks to all that took a chance and ventured a guess.
Arts and Crafts vendors offered wonderful items for purchase and local businesses participated by setting up stations in the Enchanted Forest for trick-or-treating on The Trail of Treats. Participating businesses included: Aarons Rental, All for Kids, American Expressions, Amerihost, Burger King, Burgess Floral, Cambridge Classic Ford, Cambridge Motor Sports, Cash Box, Country Sunset, Dunning Motor Sales, Fairdale Auto Sales II, First American Cash Advance, Flamingo-A-Go-Go, Girl Scouts of America, Guernsey County Family and Children First Council, Kiwanis of the Seneca Lake Region, Lou Ann's Sewing Shop, Magical Moments of Children, Pro-Tect Systems Inc., Red Carpet Health Care, Rent-A-Center, Speedy Print, Taco Bell, Timberline Cabins and Tompkin's Child and Adolescent Services.
The Tri-County Dulcimer Society entertained the crowds all afternoon while local Lakota Indian, Barry Gilmer, presented a captivating story hour. Dennis and Kay Flowers had several audiences on the edge of their hay bales as they entertained both children and adults with their comedy routines, stories and folktales. Local non-profit groups also benefited from large, hungry crowds as they mingled through the days activities and entertainment.
Deerassic Park staff can be reached at 740-435-3335 for upcoming program information. Please feel free to leave a comment about this year's Halloween event. With your assistance, next year will be bigger and better.