YMCA Event Offers 'Bone-Chillingly Good Time'

Submitted by Bev McCarron

More than 500 children and adults had a bone-chillingly good time at the Somerset Valley YMCA Hillsborough and Somerville branches’ annual Halloween parties on Friday night.

Those who turned out for the Halloween bash in Hillsborough braved a spooky haunted forest, while in Somerville, they dared to enter a haunted house manned by Y staff.

There was no short supply of costumes at the event, and those who needed an extra splash of color stopped by the face-painting tables.

Volunteers stepped up to have their friends and family wrap them up from head to toe in toilet paper like a real-life mummy.

DJs at each location got the families up and dancing to songs like the “The Monster Mash,” and healthy snacks were passed out to refuel the ghosts, vampires and princesses throughout the night.

In Hillsborough Boy Scout Troop 89 organized a scary haunted maze.  For the faint of heart, there was a chance to decorate pumpkins and stuff scarecrows.

“Halloween at the Y is one of our most popular family events. We are pleased to be able to open our doors each year and invite our neighbors in for this gathering,” said Paul Kieltyka, Somerset Valley YMCA Chief Executive Officer.  “It was a great night of fright and fun for everyone in our community “

The Halloween event is offered at no cost and is open to all.