Summit Hosts Haunting Extravaganzas

Summit will go all-out for Halloween this weekend.  The first of many events is the annual trick-or-treat parade, held by the Police Athletic League, where children and parents march downtown and collect candy.

Participants will meet in the parking lot outside Bouras Properties at 3:30 p.m. for the parade at 4 p.m. Cookies and cider will be offered to all the participants.  The parade route will take them down Springfield Avenue, through Maple Street, and onto the Village Green.

Many merchants downtown will be handing out candy, according to the PAL Web site.

At the end of the parade costumes will be judged on a large stage known as the “Showmobile.”  Judging is based on five categories with prizes for each: cutest, scariest, best group, most original and best overall.

“The prizes are gift certificates provided by Summit Downtown,” said Jeff Miller, president of the PAL.  “It promotes shopping downtown and gets the kids what they want.”

The PAL is a non-profit organization that runs numerous events, such as Easter egg hunts, in town for children.  PAL supports the DARE program and DARE will be involved in the parade as well.

“Generally we experience rain on Saturday since that happens every time we do the parade, so we’ll see if that tradition holds up,” said Miller.

The Summit Area YMCA is also hosting events for children throughout the day and evening on Saturday.  Carnival-style games will fill the gymnasium while groups will tour the “Spooky Trail.”

The Spooky Trail is actually a haunted house brought outdoors to be less frightening for children.  There will be giant spider web decorations and people in costumes.

“When it was indoors it was pitch-black and very scary; outdoors it will be spooky instead of scary,” said Lisa Kievit, director of member services.  “This is more child-friendly and fun.”

The indoor games include Spider Soccer, Ghost Buster bowling, Grim Reaper Sickle – where participants fish for pumpkins with a reaper’s scythe – and Hockey Shot using a witch’s broom.  There are eight activities total.

“Carnival games might be fun for people of all ages,” said Peter Luthi, sports director of the YMCA.

Refreshments will be provided for visitors at this free event.  Between 800 and 1,000 people are expected to come on Saturday.  The YMCA requests that visitors bring a can of nonperishable food to be donated to the local food bank or families in need in town.

Halloween isn’t just for children.  The Rocky Horror Show, a Halloween staple, is being performed by the South Mountain Theater Works in The Oakes Center from Friday to Sunday at 8 p.m.

The infamous play made its way to the local theater in order to attract people to the company’s new venue.

“It’s been an absolute blast,” said director Ken Magos.  “As much as you love Rocky Horror, it is even more fun to put up.”

Magos said that despite the hard work, the cast always has a wonderful time.  He said that the audience “goes nuts” and has excellent energy that excites the actors. 

The play, cast, and venue have proven themselves popular with sold-out performances every night last weekend.  There are some seasoned Rocky Horror veterans in the cast as well as newcomers, said Magos.

South Mountain Theater Works will be turning out more performances throughout the season including a radio play of “It’s a Wonderful Life” for Christmas and “RENT” in April.

Friday’s performance of The Rocky Horror Show is sold out.  Tickets can be purchased at the box office via phone at: 973-275-9836.  The Oakes Center is located at 120 Morris Avenue.