The second annual Brick City Carnival on October 12th was a delightfully old-fashioned evening of wholesome family fun.
Around 8,000 children and their parents took advantage of the beautiful weather to enjoy games and activities at Brick City Adventure Park. Attendees were invited to put on their Halloween costumes and trick or treat a little early.
“We wanted to offer a safe trick or treating experience for our community that was different than the normal Trick or Treat,” explains Melissa Diiorio, the recreation manager for Marion County Parks & Recreation. “We came up with an old-fashioned style carnival as the theme for the event. It’s more than just passing out candy. You are interacting with children and families, playing fun games while bringing the entire community together.”
The costume contest competition was tough, with princesses versus dragons, unicorns and pirates, and even an adorable pooch dressed as Supergirl. Families made their way through the hay maze, fished for prizes and paused for fall-themed family photos. They enjoyed clowns, stilt walkers and face painting. Candy was abundant and so were smiles.
Although the event was free, funds raised through several community sponsors, the 50/50 drawing and silent auction benefit the youth in our community through The Friends of Marion County Parks & Recreation Foundation, Inc. summer camp scholarship program. Last year the foundation was able to offer $3,935 in funds for low income families to participate in summer camp programs.
“The event has the dual purpose of giving back to our community by providing a safe and fun atmosphere to trick or treat and to raise funds for the Friends’ summer camp scholarship program,” Diiorio says. “Additionally, this is an opportunity for leaders in our community to come together and give back. This event highlights what an amazing place we all live and work in. Our passion is parks and recreation, so seeing the parents playing with their children in the hay maze and with all of our interactive elements filled us all with pride and a sense of accomplishment.”
