Record Crowd Attends South Brunswick Halloween 'Spooktacular'

A record crowd was on hand last weekend to celebrate Halloween during the annual "Spooktacular" event at South Brunswick High School.

The average attendance of the past few years was around 600 local residents, but this year's event brought well over 1,000 moms, dads and kids to the Spooktacular.  The increase in attendance was attributed to the move to SBHS, which tripled the size compared to the site for previous years at Woodlot Park.

The event, which is hosted by the South Brunswick Department of Parks and Recreation and is sponsored by LocalChatBox.com, was created by Suzanne O'Rourke, owner of LocalChatBox.com.

"The idea is to have our local businesses hand out candy to the kids who come in costume to trick or treat indoors," O'Rourke said. "The business owners also hand out their business information to mom and dad as well as special deals and offers."  

Prizes raffled off this year included a Nook Tablet, a $100 gift card to McCaffreys, $50 Amex Gift Cards, free birthday parties for local party venues and much more.  
New Jersey DJ, Ambient DJ, a blow up inflatable obstacle course from PlaytimeParty.com, a dance show from Dance on Q and Artists In Motion, and a karate show from Family Karate Super Center provided the entertainment for the event.  

"The best part is seeing the kids dressed up in costume and smiling as they go from table to table," O'Rourke said. 

Volunteers from girl scout troup 80918 helped set up and clean up for the event. O'Rourke praised Jen Petri from the parks department for spending months to nail down every detail.

"We have already sent a survey out to our vendors to gain feedback from this years event as we are always looking to improve. We are already looking forward to next year's Halloween Spooktacular," she said.