Residence Hall Association Hosts Successful Children's Halloween Bash

It is no secret that Frostburg, Maryland is a college town. Every weekend, the streets are lined with scantily clad females in groups of 4, searching porches lined with young men with red cups in their hands for one that strikes their fancy. Halloween weekend is no exception. Actually, Halloween is an excuse to dress ever-more risqué and line even more houses with even more plastic cups. Though the night is an experience worth watching for 20-something college students, it is far from appropriate for the little ghouls, firemen, and mummies that are merely searching for a home that hands out full-sized candy bars.

The city of Frostburg has understandably decided that the night of Halloween is not safe for trick-or-treaters to roam. Though some parents may jump for joy that they have escaped from the tradition of dragging the costumed tots door-to-door, the Residence Hall Association at Frostburg State University has designed an alternative to the door-to-door excursions.

Frostburg State University's Residence Hall Association designated a time for families to bring their children to trick-or-treat in a safe and friendly environment. On Sunday October 27, 2013 from 1-3 p.m., the staff of residence life from each building on campus gathered in Cumberland and Annapolis Hall and set up an individual section of different activities for costumed children to move, including cookie decorating, coloring, art projects, and games. (All while collecting candy from each group, of course.)

The staff that man the event gain a sense of pride in helping the community. Madison Storey, Resident Peer Mentor of Sowers Hall, feels that the event should provide a sense of pride for Frostburg State University as a whole, "It's a great way to get the university involved with the community on a personal level. The kids are safe but they're not missing out on Halloween."

The event was set up initially to provide a safe environment for the children to celebrate Halloween, but the staff members are just as excited to celebrate right along with them. Head Resident of Frost Hall, Jen Cruz, says that the experience brings her joy beyond knowing that she is helping the community, "I enjoy it because I like to see the kids. I enjoy seeing the kids. I saw a dinosaur today; it was great."

The event went off without a hitch with the families leaving with thanks to the groups at the tables. Long after the last mini-pirate had left, the staff ate left-over candy and laughed about the brawl between the zombie ninja and his Scooby-Doo brother over the princess's candy.

At the end of the day, not all that different from a college party.