Valley City Times-Record

The fourth annual Halloween Ruckus at the Rec will once again be held at the Recreation Center gymnasium, located at 140 Fourth St. S.W., from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24. The event is free, but admittance at the door is non-perishable items for the Barnes County Food Pantry. All games are free.
Rec Manager Amy Pederson said last year, with the good turnout, they were able to donate many non-perishable items to the local food pantry. “This year, I want a full pickup load ... so you can't see out the back window,” she said.
Last year was an overwhelming success, with about 700 kids who came through the door, and with the adults, there were approximately 1,300 people who enjoyed the festivities. This is a family affair, and parents and other adults are welcome to accompany the children.
The Ruckus at the Rec is an exciting variety of carnival games for all children, ages preschool through sixth grade, to participate in with prizes for everyone.
There will be more prizes than ever, according to Pederson and Parks and Rec Director Tyler Jacobson. Prizes are given at each game, and this year the prizes will be nicer, as well as registration for larger prizes. There are drawings for the larger prizes later and the winners will be contacted the following week. Pederson said they hope to up the prizes at the games, depending on the donations they receive. Monetary donations are still needed to make the Ruckus a success once again. The more money they receive, the bigger the prizes.
Community and surrounding area businesses and organizations, as well as interested individuals, are welcome to assist with the many activities. The office staff at the Rec Center, and other volunteers, will once again be giving of their time for free.
Peterson said their staff at the Rec Center is small, but they work as a team. The bookkeeper, Carol McAllister, does most of the decorating, including the scary monsters placed outside the building, and Diane Sommerfeld has been taking care of the publicity for the event.
Between 25 to 30 booths will have games, and each booth provided by the Parks & Rec needs three to four volunteers, so the more volunteers from community, the more fun for the kids.
Peterson said things are coming together for them right now, but the big concern right now is the need for more volunteers. Last year, they had 75 volunteers and so far they only have 25 who have volunteered.
 Time is running out, but she's sure people will come forth and offer their help. She said many students from the college volunteered last year.
Donations of pumpkins, candy, food coupons and any monetary amount would also be appreciated from those not able to volunteer for the evening. Dan Faust has already donated some of his pumpkins for the big event.
Children and parents are encouraged to dress up in their costumes to add to the Halloween atmosphere. This is a safe and exciting evening for the youth and families in and around the Valley City area. The Valley City Lions Club will also be collecting used eye glasses, which are used again for people in need.
Businesses, and anyone else, wishing to help make this Halloween party a success are asked to call 845-3294.