Hundreds of children swarmed the Union in Halloween costumes Wednesday night, looking for one thing — sugar, and in large quantities.
The Union Programming Council held its annual Family Frightfest, inviting campus families to trick-or-treat with their youngsters around the various offices in the Union building.
“It’s our annual carnival that we invite all of our non-traditional students, parents and faculty to. We also invited the Boys and Girls Clubs around the valley. It’s just a fun little carnival for them,” said Lacey Despain, director of community service for UPC and a junior in business.
Aside from scouring for sweets, UPC offered dessert decorating, face painting, pony rides and more.
“We have all sorts of activities. Cookie decorating, pumpkin bowling, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting. We have a magician doing a couple of shows. Like 15 different activities,” Despain said.
The cost for the event was relatively low, with Housing and Residential Education as well as the ASUU Non-Traditional Student board picking up some of the tab.
“Including our supplies, it was about $400,” Despain said. “We’ve been planning this since the beginning of school in September.”
Despain said about 400 people showed up, which was more than the 200 to 300 they were planning on.
Nicole Montero, whose husband is a student, enjoyed the event.
“This is great, they can see where dad goes to school and have some fun for the holiday. I can guarantee that the ponies and horses will be the favorite,” Montero said.
Adam Olsen, a Ph.D student in civil engineering, said he brings his family every year.
“This is our third or fourth year. All the people, all the kids, it’s fun for the kids,” he said.