Hundreds of youngsters put on their costumes and ventured over to Wantagh High School for the third annual Community Spooktacular on the evening of Oct. 29. The event was a partnership between the district, the 6-12 Association, SEPTA and the Performing Arts Booster Club.

High school and middle school clubs were invited to participate by offering activities for elementary-age visitors. They set up Halloween-themed stations throughout the first floor, with each having a hands-on activity and candy giveaways. Children could make mummies out of plastic bottles and toilet paper, get their faces painted or temporary tattoos, create their own slime and do spooky drawings. There were also lots of games and musical performances.

The courtyard was transformed into a pumpkin patch and youngsters could grab a gourd large or small to take home. Pumpkins and hay bales were donated by the Pagano family, along with festive balloon arrangements from Balloons by Lou. To ensure an inclusive experience for all, doors opened early for a sensory-friendly event, providing a quieter experience.

Admission was free but guests were asked to bring in nonperishable goods to donate to Island Harvest. 

“We were thrilled to have so much participation from the entire Wantagh community, as the Spooktacular has become an event families look forward to each year,” coordinator Darlene Thompson said. “We had strong participation from our high school and middle school clubs, providing children with engaging Halloween activities. A huge thank-you to our parent organizations for arranging raffle baskets and warmly welcoming guests at the front entrance.”