Children’s Museum offers free Spooktacular event

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — The Children’s Museum of the Valley will have its third annual Halloween Spooktacular from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 18. There is no cost for the event. The museum invites children ages 2-12 to dress in costume and trick-or-treat in the museum. Local nonprofit organizations will pass out candy to the children and provide information to adults regarding community resources for families. An adult must accompany children.

Though exhibit galleries will close for the festivities, several Halloween-themed activities will take place on Boardman Street, which will be closed between Champion and Walnut streets. The museum will provide face painting, costumed characters, mask making, a bounce-a-round and chalk artists, among others.

The Organization for Bat Conservation will visit the museum for a second year, with two live bat and owl presentations scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m. Local magician John Steven Bloom will be present at 2 and 4 p.m. There will be music and local entertainment between shows.

To raise money for the museum’s programs and exhibits, CMV will have food available for sale, as well as a stuffed-animal-building station. Each animal will cost $25.

CMV invites museum members to a special preview from 11 a.m. to noon. Those in attendance will be treated to a light breakfast buffet. Members will also have the opportunity to trick-or-treat before doors open at noon.

To join the Children’s Museum, call (330) 744-5914 or send an e-mail to info@valleykids.org. Those interested can also check out www.valleykids.org.

The 2008 Halloween Spooktacular is sponsored by the DeBartolo Corp., WFMJ Channel 21, the Ruth Ward Beecher Charitable Treat, MYCAP, the Cafaro Foundation, and Hill, Barth & King.

In preparation for the Children’s Museum of the Valley’s Halloween Spooktacular, the museum will be closed next Thursday and Oct. 17 during regular business hours. The museum will celebrate the Halloween season by holding an adult-only fundraiser, Friday Night Howl, at 7 p.m. Oct. 17, for which tickets are still available. RSVP by Friday for this adult event. (330) 744-5914.