A Spooktacular Night in Morgantown
One of the youngest attendees brings smiles dressed as a cheerful scarecrow, complete with a pumpkin-trimmed outfit. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
Story and Pictures by Beverly Bonilla
The magic of Halloween was alive and well in Morgantown on Saturday, October25, as the annual Mayor’s Monster Mash took over Charles Black City Park. Families poured into the park dressed as witches, superheroes, princesses, pirates, animals and plenty of little monsters and dinosaurs ready for a night of spooky fun!
The crisp fall air and beautiful skies made for a wonderful day for all the festivities. Everywhere you looked, there were smiles, laughter, and the sound of kids comparing candy stashes and showing off their costumes.
This year’s Monster Mash offered something for everyone. Kids and even a few grown-ups enjoyed trunk-or-treating, making their way from one decorated car to another, collecting candy and treats from friendly faces. The Halloween games kept the fun going with connect 4 and some minute-to-win-it games.
A festive pair show off their coordinated costumes at the Monster Mash. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
Of course, no one went hungry. Guests enjoyed free hot dogs, chips and a drink, courtesy of the City of Morgantown. If you didn’t want a hot dog, there were also several food trucks available. For those looking to add a new furry friend to the family, the Friends of Butler County Animals were on site offering free animal adoptions.
A steady line formed for the hayride, which took families on a scenic ride around the park. The best part was along the ride you were able to stop and pick out a free pumpkin to take home. The bouncy houses were a hit like always, with kids laughing, jumping, and playing well into the evening.
A little one dressed in a whimsical black-and-green costume joins in the Halloween fun at Charles Black City Park. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
As the day went on, the crowd gathered for the costume contest. There were around 30 contestants from 3 months and up, some very shy and some showing off their great dance moves. Several awards were given out from scariest to most sparkly.
The Mayor’s Monster Mash has become a favorite annual tradition in Morgantown, bringing together neighbors, families, and friends for a day of community, creativity, and good old-fashioned fun. It’s events like these that remind us of what makes small-town living so special. Laughter echoing through the park, kids running in costumes, and everyone coming together just to enjoy the season.
Two participants dressed in their Hogwarts best make their way through the park during the Mayor’s Monster Mash costume contest. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
As the night came to an end, families left with pumpkins in hand, candy bags overflowing, and smiles that could light up even the darkest Halloween night.
A big thank you goes out to the City of Morgantown and all those who helped make this year’s Mayor’s Monster Mash a spooktacular success.
