October 27, 2014 at 4:05 p.m.
YMCA of the Northwoods hosts another successful 'Not so Scary' event
YMCA of the Northwoods hosts another successful 'Not so Scary' event
This was the Y's ninth year hosting the event. The organization uses the festivities - which include trick-or-treating sites along the trail as well as chili and other refreshments in the gym - as a way to show its appreciation to the community.
"Basically, it's the Y's way of giving back to the community," said Laurie Bielen, event coordinator. "They support us year-round and that's why everything's free. It's all about giving back and showing our appreciation for the support the community shows us."
The event attracts around 1,000 people each year, a number that consistently grows with each incarnation.
"Last year, we had 1,312 people sign in, and that doesn't include our site volunteers and all of that. That's just people walking the trail," Bielen said.
"It has continually gone up every year, sometimes by as much as 400 people. It just continues to grow and we love that."
Bielen said she expects this year's event to continue that trend.
"I think so. I think the change in weather made a huge difference. Last year was cold and windy and wet. This year was much nicer," she said.
The continued support makes the event easy to plan each year.
"It's really awesome. It's definitely a mission moment for us. This is what we're here for. We're here for our community, to help people better themselves and feel better," Bielen said. "And it works so well for everyone. It helps people get familiar with us and our building and our trail, and it helps us get to know our community."
It's not just the Y that's thrilled with the event. Parents love it, too.
"This is just so great. Each and every year they blow me away with all the stops along the trail," Susan Horton said. "My kids love it. They get a chance to try out their costumes and get candy and see their friends. It's a wonderful thing the Y does for the community."
Meghan Wilcox shared those sentiments.
"My son was so bummed out last year because we didn't come because of the weather. He really was not happy about that, and when I told him we were coming this year, well, his face just said it all," she said. "He loves it. He gets to wear his costume early and get candy. I think this is just a wonderful thing the Y does. I'm so happy they do this because it just makes his day."
Marcus Nesemann may be reached at [email protected].
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