Halloween Fun in the Rockaways

By Roni Anderson

Who says the Rockaways don’t know how to do Halloween? More than 600 people in attendance had a howling great time at the 6th annual Rockaween Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 31.

Usually held at the Papa John’s parking lot, this year the event was held in conjunction with the YMCA’s first annual Haunted Harvest, with the help of the YMCA director Aerial Mathis, who worked tirelessly to organize the event. Costumed children and their families came from all over the Rockaways and waited with anticipation on the long line to get in to the building. Each attendee was given a wristband to come in and enjoy bounce houses provided by Councilwoman Selvena Brooks Powers’ office. Curtis Turney-Rentas, director of the B.R.I.D.G.E., organized a Haunted Maze while King of Kings organization did STEM projects like slime making, arts and crafts and treats. Manny Silva with Queens Community Justice Center provided a fabulous live DJ. Later in the event, there was a dance contest, and prizes, and a raffle for a month’s free workout at the YMCA and  seasonal tickets to Six Flags, donated by Perfect Piece of the Puzzle foundation, as well as other prizes. Entertainment was provided by Granma Zombie of Watotoe’s entertainment, sponsored by Ozzie Edwards, which kept the little ones entertained with dancing and spooktivities.

There were lots of great costumes, with $500 worth of gift cards as prizes, sponsored by Odessa’s Event Planning, a costume contest prizes up to $500 worth of gift cards sponsored by Odessa’s Event Planning. Sharmeika Davis-Boyd of Qiky Kidz had a photo station and activities for the attendees. Guests enjoyed plenty of food including pizza from Elegante, chicken sandwiches provided by Chick-fil-A, a delicious cake and cupcakes made by Justina Michelle, plus popcorn, cotton candy and Halloween treats like chocolate provised by Madeline’s chocolates for the trunk or treat in the parking lot.

Mel Julien from NYC Plover Project had a trunk with treats and information. NYC Parks Department decorated a fabulous jeep with surfing skeletons, and lights! Assemblyman Khaleel Anderson had creepy light up motion-sensor spiders in his car. Ambassador of the Teal Pumpkin Project, “Mama Roni” dressed in a mummy costume aka Mummy Roni and gave out toys, stickers, pencils, glow in the dark necklaces, etc. for those with food sensitivities and candy for others. Odessa’s Event Planning decorated a spooky tombstone cobweb vehicle, in addition to decorating the inside of the  Y.  Another vehicle had an inflatable monster, with loads of treats. Tables inside had treats like Cash & Dash on the Rock (a new organization creating business development in the Rockaways), Emblem Health, NY Life, Ocean Bay Houses, Hammel houses and the YMCA, plus St. John’s Episcopal hospital provided  information on health and blood pressures checks.  Also in attendance was Councilwoman Selvena Brooks Powers and her family.

The YMCA provided some arts and crafts, Sol de Vida provided face painting and a photo booth. Extreme Rumble, sponsored by Mama Roni, had a huge luxury game truck equipped with karaoke and the latest gaming systems, and photos were taken by the talented photographer Darryl C. Madison.

Everyone had a blast! This beautiful, collaborative event couldn’t have been possible without the wonderful organizations, volunteers and community. Hope to see you next year!