Scary-big crowds in outrageous costumes and full party mode flowed into downtown Farmington on Halloween evening as the city treated children and adults of all ages to games and goodies from 4 to 6 p.m.
Jack Lowery, Farmington Senior Center manager, helping with the ring toss game, said this is a “fun event for the entire family, the entire community.”
Lonnie Pond, a chiropractor, has served as a volunteer for a number of years.
“A lot of people come in and for the kids to dress up like they do,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun for them.”
Amanda Billie and Armondo Billie of Farmington brought their five children to enjoy the festivities.
Felix Lee, who celebrated his sixth birthday the day before, said he likes carving pumpkins and wearing costumes. He planned on eating candy, too.
Raeann Yazzie said it took her about 30 minutes to get into costume with makeup and all.
“Well, my family – we like to decorate, arts and crafts, the pumpkins, the parties, the candy. I get to do my baking, like pumpkin bread and make candy apples,” Yazzie said.
Chief of Police Steve Hebbe, said the city works closely with all the business owners for the big event.
“I just like coming down here cause you get all the kids, everybody’s having a good day, it’s always good to see the costumes. It’s really a great community event,” he said.
Jordan Grant, business and contract manager for the Farmington Civic Center, gave a lot of the credit to the parks office.
“It’s obvious that the community loves this event ... there’s always thousands of people that come down here to Main Street,” he said. Although the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department does much of the work, “We all have our own little piece that we work on.”
Various city departments chose a representative to serve on the Boo-palooza committee, which meets months in advance to formulate plans for one of the city’s most popular events.
Upbeat hoards flowed steadily and lined the two-block section into Orchard Park, where the stage for costume judging took place at 5 p.m., hosted by jokester deejay Jamie Osborne of KWYK 94.9 radio. He didn’t let up on ribbing Hebbe, one of the judges.
Bradley and Corinne Donalson of Farmington attended for the first time with their son, Bradley Donalson Jr., and 2-month old daughter.
“Oh yeah, we’re having a great time,” said the senior Bradley Donalson, noting that Bradley Donalson Jr., 7, won the costume contest at church on Sunday.
