To promote both fun and safety, organizations throughout Columbia have been offering special Halloween events. The Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation hosts the “Tiger Night of Fun” -- an alternative event held at Hearnes Center Field House, where children of young families can be in a safe, supervised environment.
Spokesperson Janel Twehous said the department first offered its Halloween event 18 years ago when there were fears of tainted candy. Twehous said the department wanted to offer a safe alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating.
“It’s been such a successful event, high attendance and in et cetera, that we’ve seen that it has been you know, good for the department, good for the community,” Twehous said.
The District in downtown Columbia also offered a Halloween event this past weekend. On Friday night, young children walked throughout The District and trick-or-treated at stores, restaurants, and businesses.
District Direct Carrie Gartner said the event began simply as way to engage and have fun with the community.
“I think everyone was looking for something that was, you know, less about shopping and dining, and more about just having some with people in Columbia," Gartner said.
Parks and Recreation’s “Tiger Night of Fun” will be held Halloween night from 6-8. It will offer games and activities to children age 12 and under in a supervised environment.
