Halloween goes to the park

The annual Halloween in the Park event was a huge success as families from all across Lebanon and the surrounding communities came out to enjoy the fall weather.
Children had inflatables and games to play as well as the use of the entire park facility, including all of the play areas.
"We like to keep it a family atmosphere and give kids a safe alternative to trick-or-treating," David Hale of Hawk Specialty Services said.
Included in the list of activities was a costume contest open to all ages who wished to enter. The contest dates back to the original Halloween celebration for the city of Lebanon, Halloween on the Square, which was started in 1996, said Lebanon Mayor Don Fox.
The event has grown in popularity so much through the years that satellite parking was offered at the new Music City Star station, the Jimmy Floyd Center and other nearby venues.
"The Chamber of Commerce provided its trolley to carry guests to and from satelite parking," Hale said. The trolley had made four trips by 5:15.
"We've been involved with the costume contest ever since they started it," Hale said.
He was the costume contest emcee and one of the judges for the evening at the event.
The contest was divided into six age categories to keep things fair. Hale noted that the contest used to be judged as one group. The categories also help speed up the judging process since there are so many entries.
"Last year we had almost 800 people in the costume contest," he said.
There was a pumpkin patch provided at the event as well.
"Old Hickory Credit Union helps us out with the pumpkin patch for the little ones," Hale said.
Members of Lebanon Public Safety kept a healthy dose of hot dogs and chili available for the hungry guests who were lined up for a taste. The patrons began lining up for the food well before service time.
The evening was considered a great success, despite some worries about the forecast.
"We were afraid the weather might hurt us," Fox said. "But it has turned out to be a great day."
"It's a great event," Hale added. "It's an opportunity for us to visit and socialize."
Staff Writer Kimberly Jordan can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 16 or by email at kimberly.jordan@lebanondemocrat.com.