Newton Y hosts annual trick-or-treat event

The parking lot of a popular Newton destination was filled Friday night with lines of kids and adults alike, dressed in a wide variety of costumes.

The Newton YMCA Family Fall Fest featured displays from YMCA employees and local businesses, full of decorations and candy to hand out to trick-or-treating guests.

Among the costumed scenes were two T-Rex’s and their accompanying safari guides, The Incredibles, The Wizard of Oz and superheroes such as Batman.

Cookie Fuzell, a YMCA employee, and her family manned a booth while dressed up as The Incredibles — her kids’ favorite movies.

“It’s a nice, safe, family activity. Fun and safe for everyone,” Fuzell said. “The kids love the movies, so we went with them.”

The event was put on with the intention of giving trick-or-treaters a place to collect candy that would reduce the risk of trick-or-treating dangers.

Frank Buckley, CEO of the YMCA and train driver at the event, said the event was successful in that aspect.

“It’s a safe environment for the kids. Away from the heavy traffic areas,” Buckley said. “It looks like a great success. We have a lot of people out here from the community. That’s what it’s all about. We’re hoping that they can get some hot dogs and cider, go through the trick-or-trunks, and riding on the grandpa bucks.”

The festivities outside the YMCA building were not the only place trick-or-treaters could go for fun. Inside the YMCA’s gymnasium, a bounce pit was set up, along with pictures of superheroes and face-painting stations.

Rosa Jenning, a YMCA swim class and foam-rolling class instructor, was inside running a children’s movement and music class. She was at the Y Friday, along with her husband and son, who were running around the event enjoying themselves.

“So I’m just dancing with the kids, playing music for them and having a big dance party – good for the soul type of stuff,” Jenning said. “But, I actually really like the superheroes. Just because my son loves the superheroes, so it’s nice to be able to take pictures with (Batman) and see the kid’s faces.”

Many other guests, after they retrieved their candy, were served hot dogs and apple cider to chow on.

Miley Hearl, 9, was one of the guests enjoying the hot dogs while sporting her police officer outfit. Hearl said she thought the event overall was great and enjoyed the train ride put on by Buckley the most.

“I was originally going to be a kitty police, but my leotard was too tight,” Hearl said. “My mommy told me (about this event), and it’s great.”

Contact Orrin Shawl at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or oshawl@newtondailynews.com