NORTH AUGUSTA – Despite the chilly weather and the overcast sky, families still trekked the pavement with their children dressed in Halloween costumes on Saturday, Oct. 29, for North Augusta’s 36th annual Jack O Lantern Jubilee.
Locally-made arepas, corn dogs, kettle corn, candy apples and baked goods were part of the menu on the day for people to enjoy between playtime and face painting.
While some came to take part in the family-friendly activities, others attended for the live music, beer and to showcase scary costumes.
From a family of sonics to some dressed as killer clowns, the All Hallow’s Eve fun was evident by the brightly sprayed hair, pinned-in horns and the outrageous facial makeup.
Even four-legged fur friends also showed off their witch costumes and jerseys as passersby patted them and complemented their good behavior.
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Booths about insurance, clothing, glassware and jewelry were scattered about the event. During the jubilee, kids were impressed watching a live artist paint, college students considered fostering a dog from a rescue tent and parents added more decorative tumblers and shot glasses to their collection.
All around it was a successful day event to promote local business and encourage parents to invest in their community businesses and organizations.
“Why not bring [the kids]? It’s the best thing ever,” said attendee Thomas Tate. “They got beer and food. It’s fun, there’s music too. I love it and it’s fantastic. There’s no reason not to take the kids out to something like this.”
Prior to enjoying cold beer and savory food, Tate said the event allowed him to not only enjoy the great fall weather, but it also let him meet new people as his daughter and niece pet cute puppies.
Fellow attendee Caitlin Hoks said the event allowed her family to spend quality time together while enjoying the fresh air.
Mother of three, Chandra Priester, said she brought her children to enjoy the safe and outdoor Halloween function where they were able to meet new, friendly faces. Like many, her kids were most excited about dressing up and showing off their costumes.
“It gets people out to see and meet other people – it’s a lot of congregating,” said Priester.
Participating groomers, Ray McCollum and Carrie Wilkie, said they contributed to the jubilee to promote Animal House Grooming; a beloved workplace and local business with more than 20 years of experience that emphasizes its’ well-trained groomers.
Like many hidden local gems, McCollum said, even though she has lived in North Augusta for several years, she never knew about Animal House Grooming until she landed a job there.
“This helps bring people into the little corner over there,” said McCollum. “And everybody has been super cool and friendly.”
Down the lane, local non-profit Team Stinkykiss, a incorporated shelter rescue project, showcased dogs available for adoption and how possible foster hosts could help.
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Volunteer Laura Wright said the organization’s goal, in addition to encouraging attendees to rescue a dog, was to raise more funds for medical resources and a new building.
Wright said the shelter’s animals greatly benefitted from the event because it gave them an opportunity to socialize and spend time playing outside of the shelter – where the loudness can cause anxiety for several.
Wright also said she believed the jubilee was important because it encouraged people to support community organizations and businesses.
In a time where some might still be readjusting to normal life and attending busy events, Wright said she believed it is important for people to interact with other locals and connect face-to-face again.
“People are just trying to make a living and feed their families. It’s people trying to grow their businesses, and this is a good way to get some exposure,” she said. “I think it’s just good to get out of the house these days, and it’s good for them to support the locals. To see what’s out there because a lot of people don’t know about all these small businesses.”
Live artist, Monica Wells, displayed her painting skills with a knife as attendees stopped and kids oohed and ahed at her talent. As kids are mystified at her skills, Wells said her painting sometimes evokes a different response out of others.
“Everyone experiences art differently and it means something different to everyone,” Wells said. “Some people have a very emotional response to seeing me paint in front of them.”
For Wells, it is not just about showing painting, live painting is about allowing others to connect with her art as it is being created before their very eyes. Something which always makes her job very fulfilling as she travels and displays her canvases at different local venues.
“People think you have to go somewhere far to see things like this,” she said. “Most of the time, they don’t know it’s in their neighbor’s backyard.”
But the businesses were not the only ones showing off their talents. Through stage dances and games of dunk tank, children also displayed their epic throwing skills and adorable dance moves.
Others preferred to simply enjoy some wonderful ice cream or Italian ice, after burning energy on inflatable bounce houses and slides.
Overall, the Halloween spirit was in full gear on Saturday and North Augusta was bustling with laughter, fake tattoos and great music all day long.
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
