As fall settles on Day Creek Intermediate School, this year’s annual Halloween Bash transformed the campus into a lively, spooky event. The one-day festival, a tradition that has lasted over a decade, drew a lively crowd of students, teachers and parent/grandparent volunteers, filling the hardcourts with laughter, screams and spooky excitement.
Despite the warm weather, the bash was filled with energy. The haunted maze, a student favorite, was the night’s main event, described as the largest and darkest yet. Groups of five or six students navigated its terrifying turns, led by teachers and volunteers, with every corner hiding jump scares. One highlight was a rectangular structure covered entirely in polka dots, where student actors in matching dotted suits blended into the walls, startling unsuspecting students.
“This year, one of the rooms was covered in dots and actors with dotted clothes, and so I ran into them,” said 8th grader Alyssa T. “That was probably my favorite decoration.”
Carnival games outside offered a mix of activities from prior years and new inflatable games. Though volunteers stopped handing out tons of candy to the game winners, new attractions brought the fun. These games included inflatable basketball, football and skee-ball among plenty of enjoyable options. Replacing individual prize treats, each student received a goodie bag packed with candy and a glow stick, ensuring no one left empty-handed.
“My favorite game was axe-throwing,” said 7th grader Emily N. “It’s because I have really good aim and I can hit the bullseye easily.”
Every student attending had a specific time to eat. Grade levels were assigned a block of time to head into the MPR to enjoy pepperoni or cheese pizza and Bomb Pops. Reviews were mixed on the pizza, as some students reported cold slices.
“The pizza was okay, since it was too greasy for me and cold,” said Emily.
6th grader Yousef’s opinion was different: “I like how the pizza was good [and my friends] made [eating and playing outside] fun and everything.”.
After eating, students ventured onto the basketball courts, where oversized games like checkers and bowling sat alongside badminton, basketball and volleyball, all keeping the fun rolling. The Bash succeeded in blending fun and thrills, coupling a variety of games with the beloved tradition of the maze. For new students, it offered a chance to connect.
“ I would tell everyone to come [next year because] it’s a lot of fun,” said 8th grader Jonathan. “Especially if it’s your first time [at the bash] and if you’re new here, it’s a great way to meet new people.”
As the final group of students exited the carnival gates and the gym doors closed, this year’s Halloween activities came to a close. Students walked toward the parking lot, thrilled that the school week ended in such a fun way. The haunted maze was silent, free of screams, and the hardcourts were finally empty of laughter. Day Creek’s Halloween Bash concluded, with each student taking home new stories of frights and fun.
