Big Time YMCA Halloween Fun Comes To The Farmington Valley Saturday

The Farmington Valley YMCA is celebrating Halloween 2012 with a huge party open to members and non-members alike of all ages on Saturday, Oct. 27.

Expect thrills, chills, entertainment, games and more Saturday as the YMCA converts into a hotbed of Halloween fun that has age-appropriate activities for everyone from young children to full-grown adults.

"You just come in and have fun," said YMCA executive director Michael Garcia.

Among the many activities are spooky soccer, a haunted house, pirate games and boat rides, family photos, a spidery bat cave climb on the Y's climbint wall, the "ooey-gooey" touch museum, "Thriller" dance parties, crafts, stories and healthy snacks. In short, there's fun to be had for all attendees.

"It's a fun night," Garcia said. "Parents are encouraged to participate. We want your whole family here."

An important note: parents cannot simply drop off their children. This is a family event and adult accompaniment is required.

While the photos, crafts, stories, boat rides and more are definitely suitable for youngsters, there is a true emphasis on a fun activity for everyone. In particular, the Y's haunted house is definitely suitable for adults.

"Our haunted house is really scary," Garcia said. "I've had adults come out screaming."

The Y's fitness instructors will teach those adventurous enough to participate the moves to Michael Jackson's famed "Thriller" dance and groups will perform the moves throughout the evening.

Visitors are encouraged to wear their costumes and, while attendance is free, the donation of a non-perishable food item is strongly recommended but not required.

"Costumes are a must," Garcia said, noting that that recommendation is even more important for kids. "We encourage the family to come in costume."

The eighth annual party at the Y’s Granby location is going to be a big one, according to Garcia. The party usually boasts between 600 and 800 visitors and even drew 300 people a week after Halloween 2011, despite a massive snowstorm that still had power out for many in the area.

"My goal this year is to break 1,000 people," Garcia said.

Along with healthy, Halloween-inspired snacks, traditional candy will be available and the Y is accepting candy donations before the event begins.

The YMCA's regular programming isn't interrupted by the event except for an hour of closure at 5 p.m. Friday and the closure of the Y's activity center on Friday at 10 a.m., although all activities will still occur in other locations.

The event is run by staff and community members all volunteering their time.

What to remember: Halloween at the Y takes place on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and bring a donation of one piece of non=perishable food. Adult accompaniment of children is required. The Farmington Valley YMCA is located at 97 Salmon Brook St., Granby.