by Anji Ringzin

Special to the Sounder

In 2013 when my granddaughter moved to Orcas, I approached Oddfellows Hall Manager Jay Kimball with an idea: The hall is already fantastically decorated for the big adult Halloween party, so how about having it available for a kid’s party from 4–6 p.m.?

Kimball thought it was a great idea, and so the Halloween party for kids was born.

Susan Slapin made us an incredible poster — which conveniently can be used every year! Robert Austin was the candy and glow stick purchaser and right-hand man, and Eve Eon was the right-hand kid helper.

Charlie Eon brought along his DJ rig and spun the spooky toons. Holly Dennis served up scrumptious hot spiced cider and decaf chai, while Madrona Bar and Grill supplied us with a steady supply of their outstanding hot fries.

Morgan Meadows and Maura Lynne-Pritchard delighted the kids at a face painting table on different years.

When this began in 2013, I don’t think there were many indoor activities for kids at Halloween. That year the clocks had already fallen back and it was cold and drizzly, and the party was an enormous success. Kids danced and had fun – and, of course, everyone loved the fries.

Every year since, the party has been enjoyed by our kids, and it has been fun putting it on. Last year we noticed there was a growing number of indoor activities for kids on Halloween, and we have decided not to put on the Halloween party for children at the Odds anymore. If anyone would like to take over this lovely event, please email me at Anji@rockisland.com.

Thank you to everyone who also contributed time and effort, including: Tom McDonough, Cindy Wolf, John Harry Watson and, of course, everyone who came.