THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 27, 1996 TAG: 9610250230
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SUSAN W. SMITH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 38 lines
``Kid's Night,'' an alternative to Halloween, is scheduled for Oct. 31 at Chesapeake's Fairview Baptist Church. The annual event, open to children ages 4-12, is a costume party packed with games, fruit, candy and prizes, said the Rev. Gary H. McClenney, pastor of the church.
``Each year, the likelihood increases that our children will become trick or treat victims,'' said McClenney. ``Innocent pranks have been displaced by fears of needle-embedded fruit, drug-laced candy and pedestrian accidents.''
Because of these concerns, church members decided to offer parents and children an alternative to the traditional Halloween practices. ``Kid's Night'' was created to give young trick or treaters a safe environment and to provide parents with a peace of mind, McClenney said.
This year's theme is ``Fruit of the Spirit.'' Children are asked to dress as apples, bananas, grapes or whatever they can imagine, said Nancy McNeil, the party coordinator. ``But no skeletons, goblins or witches,'' McNeil said.
There are costume suggestions in a ``Kid's Night'' brochure available at the church office. The pamphlet suggests, for example, making a raisin costume by cutting holes for arms and head in a large, black trash bag. Decorate a large box as a case of fruit, and cut holes for arms, legs or head, or be a bunch of grapes or cherries by tying on red or purple balloons.
There will be a special appearance by Elmo the Puppet at the party. Elmo teaches biblical values as he entertains with his wit, wisdom and pranks.
``Kids love Elmo,'' said Renee Foxx, the voice behind the puppet. ``His humor is pure and simple. And he is a real prankster.''
Fairview Baptist Church is located at 1204 Tatemstown Road. ``Kid's Night,'' which will take place from 6 to 8 p.m., will be free of charge, but pre-registration is required. MEMO: For additional information or for registration, call the church
office at 543-3238. by CNB