Islanders enjoy Kiwanis Halloween Party
Threatening weather didn’t keep the crowds away from the Kiwanis “Halloween Party” at Pine Island Elementary School Friday night.
“The Kiwanis Halloween Party has been going on for longer than anyone remembers,” Pine Island Kiwanis event organizer Tonya Player said. “This is our third year at Pine Island Elementary School. Last year we moved the festival from the large field to the parking lot to bring everything closer together. This makes everything more party-like and I think it makes a bigger impact for the children.”
A “goody bag” containing candy and treats was handed to every child as they passed through the gate.
As always, the Matlacha Pine Island Fire Department and Lee County EMS arrived early to hand out treats.
“We are also installing new car seats and checking existing car seats,” Fire Inspector Christi Kulwicki said. “It’s all about keeping the children of Pine Island safe.”
“I’ve been coming to the Fall Festival since my children were young,” Katherine Manning said. “Now I bring my grand-children. I don’t think it’s safe to trick or treat like we did when we were kids. It’s a different world today and this gives them a safe place to have fun.”
“I’ve been doing this for 13 years and this is my fourth year as chairperson,” Player said. “I’m really happy with the turnout. The skies are overcast but there are lots of people here. This idea goes way back to when we wanted to provide a safe environment for our children to trick or treat in. We do this because everything that the Pine Island Kiwanis does is about the children of Pine Island.”
Donations to help the Kiwanis may be dropped off at Capital Bank, Century 21 Realty, Pine Island Public Library or mailed to: Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island Fall Festival, P.O. Box 111, St. James City, FL 33956.