Halloween events set to spook Sheppard

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  As ghosts and goblins get ready for their night of freedom and fun on Halloween, Team Sheppard is preparing for a host of events to enjoy the spookiest of holidays. 

Sheppard will be home to events for all ages. Whether it's late-night costume parties for adults, or pumpkin carving for children, there will be something for everyone in the days leading up to Halloween. 

For children, there will be pumpkin carving and costume parties at the Madrigal Youth Center, a buffet breakfast with arts and crafts at the Sheppard Club, a Halloween festival and spooky stories at the base library and some safe and secure trick-or-treating Oct. 31 thanks to the Pumpkin Patrol. 

The Pumpkin Patrol is an annual service staffed by volunteers who patrol base housing Halloween night, said Byron Harps, 82nd Security Forces Squadron and Pumpkin Patrol point of contact. 

He said it's a more-secure alternative to having kids trick-or-treat in neighborhoods off-base. 

"It's safe, (parents) know people will be watching out for their kids," he said. "It's a good time to have fun, as well as keep (kids) safe." 

The Pumpkin Patrol will be out from 6 to 8 p.m. 

The Pumpkin Patrol couldn't happen without its volunteers though; those interested in helping out should call him at 676-5156. Those patrolling should bring a reflective vest and flash light. 

Other family-friendly events include the Halloween Fest at Lake Texoma and two haunted houses hosted by the 82nd Communications Squadron, with one haunted house designed for adults and the other kids. Also, the South Chapel is hosting a Harvest Festival.

Maj. Jimmie Sanders, senior protestant chaplain with the 82nd Training Wing Chapel, said the event is not only a fun time for those attending, but is also a leadership experience. He said older members of the Chapel's youth group help run the events and games.  

In addition, after a day of family events, adults can relax and have fun at the Sheppard Club's Halloween Party, which will include a live band, drink specials and contests. 

Here's a quick rundown of Halloween events: 

Oct. 26 
7 p.m. - Children's costume party at the Madrigal Youth Center, ends at 10 p.m. Cost: $7 per member and $12 per non-member. 

Oct. 27
9 a.m. - Kid's Halloween party and breakfast, ends at 11 a.m. Cost: 12-and-under eat free.
6 p.m. - Haunted House, building 1121, for adults and for children, ends at 10 p.m. Cost: $2.
7 p.m. - Airman in Training Halloween Party, ends at 9 p.m. Cost: free-of-charge.
7 p.m. - Adult Halloween Part at the Sheppard Club, ends at 1 a.m. Cost: Members free-of-charge, non- members $4.
8 p.m. - Halloween Fest at Lake Texoma. Cost: free-of-charge. 

Oct. 30
6 p.m. - School-age pumpkin carving at the Madrigal Youth Center, ends at 8 p.m. Cost: $1. 

Oct. 31
6 p.m. - Trick-or-treating in Capehart, Bunker Hill and Wherry Housing, ends at 8 p.m. Monitored by Pumpkin Patrol. 
6 p.m. - Harvest Festival at the South Chapel, runs till 8 p.m. Cost: free-of-charge.
6:30 p.m. - Halloween Festival at the Base Library. Cost: free-of-charge.