MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Military children and their families dressed in playful and spooky costumes to enjoy a day of scary stories, games, crafts and more at the free Family Pumpkin Bash at the Tarawa Terrace Community Center aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Friday.
The free event included pony rides, a petting zoo, an inflatable bounce house, crafts, a costume competition, pumpkin picking and painting. Kids were also able to create scarecrows and dug into slimy cauldrons to feel eyeballs, batwings and other grotesque objects.
“It’s an opportunity for families to come together and celebrate in a safe environment,” said Lorraine Fuller, supervisory recreation specialist with the Tarawa Terrace Community Center.
Ashley Bundy, a military spouse, enjoyed the many hands-on activities available for children to participate.
“It’s nice to have things that are affordable, especially with the (Marine Corps Ball) and the holidays coming up,” said Bundy.
Christina Medina, a military spouse, was drawn to the event after her daughter saw advertisements for it aboard the base. The event not only provided family fun for the kids, but it gave parents like Medina an opportunity to meet other members of the military community.
The event also provided an opportunity for families to play and learn about community resources available at the Tarawa Terrace and Midway Park Community Centers. This year, firefighters were present to teach fire prevention in the home.
“We’re here to have fun and to offer kids a good time, but we’re also here outside of these events,” said Fuller. “We want to teach about safety, and this is a great avenue to promote that.”
The centers host a wide range of services and activities throughout the year for members of the military community.
For information, visit www.mccslejeune.com/community or call Midway Park Community Center at 451-1807 and the Tarawa Terrace Community Center at 450-1687.