The Giraldi family of Hammond started a Halloween tradition three years ago — gather family members who they haven’t seen in a while and heading to the yearly Monster Mash at Jean Shepherd Community Center.
This year, 10 family members showed up at the recent event for an evening of music, dance, contests and socializing.
“The kids are so excited, there’s so much to do,” said Sara Giraldi, as she and her son, Donny, 8, listened for door prize numbers. “They’re begging me to do the Photo Booth, so we’ll head there next.”
Dozens of other families also joined in the seasonal fun, and most dressed in costumes.
The always-popular witches were out and about; and superheroes held their ground, mingling among princesses and gouls.
A local deejay kept the music going, as the dance floor continued to be a popular destination for all ages.
“This is fun, my mom is coming to dance with me,” said Lashawn Smith, 7, of Hammond, as he practiced solo while adjusting his Superman cape. “We never get to do this (dancing) at home. It’s cool here.”
This is the third year for the Monster Mash, which is sponsored by the City of Hammond.
Each year, attendance has grown due to word of mouth.
Books, Brushes & Bands for Education, a local organization that fosters musical education for children, distributed free books, and local businessman Armando Gomez set up a photo booth.
The latter included a table full of props, such as masks of political figures, feather boas, wacky hats, and other unique items for those wanting to have their picture taken as a memento of the evening.
A coloring contest excited many of the younger guests. As soon as their entries of colored paper pumpkins were displayed on a long, banquet table, they kept asking JSCC building manager Megan Flores when the judging would begin. T-shirts were given as the prizes.
“We love Halloween and we come here every year. It’s always on our calendar,” said Sandy Labash of Hammond. “Where else can the kids have so much fun, and the adults too?”
Grandparents James and Mary Little of Hammond agreed with LaBash.
“These days, it’s so expensive to take our grandkids anywhere. And since they’re small, it’s not always easy to keep them under control,” James Little said, as he watched his young grand daughters dancing and having a good time on the dance floor. “Here, they can run around as much as they want, we can keep an eye on them and there’s snacks to eat. It’s all good.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.
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