COVINGTON, La (press release) – Boo Fest, presented by Lakeview Hospital and ACCESS, will be held on the grounds of the hospital on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The all-abilities Halloween event features trick or treating, games, arts and crafts, and a costume contest.
“This inclusive event gives every child, even those with disabilities or sensory issues, an opportunity to enjoy Halloween,” said Kim Melvin, ACCESS board member. “We know every parent also wants a chance to see their child experience the events in life that many take for granted.”
Boo Fest benefits children with disabilities and their families but is open to children of all abilities. The gates open for early admission for special needs families at 9 a.m. Admission to Boo Fest is only $2 per person, and all proceeds benefit ACCESS, the local organization that helps support children with disabilities and their families to improve their quality of life.
“We are grateful for the sponsor participation and community support of Boo Fest,” said Dr. Aaron Karlin, ACCESS chairman. “This event provides more than just a fun day for kids; it also teaches acceptance and empathy by creating an opportunity for children who don’t face daily challenges to connect with children who do.”
The wheelchair-accessible walking path around the duck ponds and green space adjacent to Lakeview Hospital allows children of all abilities to collect treats at each house. Children are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costume and take part in the annual Boo Fest costume contest, competing for the titles of “Cutest,” “Scariest,” “Most Original,” or “Best Group.”
Local businesses and members of the community may get involved in Boo Fest by sponsoring a trick-or-treat house or castle. Each sponsor will receive and then decorate a 5-foot tall cardboard “gingerbread-style” house or castle from which they will also hand out candy and other giveaways. Cash prizes will be awarded to winning trick-or-treat houses in the “Most Original,” “Scariest,” and “Kid’s Choice” categories. Businesses are asked to provide candy and non-edible treats for distribution. Varying levels of Boo Fest sponsorships are available to area businesses interested in participating: Great Pumpkin ($5,000), Boo Town ($2,500), Haunted Mansion ($1,000), Haunted Castle ($500), or Haunted House ($250). Sponsorship forms can be downloaded from https://accesslouisiana.org/.
All proceeds raised from Boo Fest provide support to families who have a child with a disability in four key areas—financial grants, caregiver education, an equipment exchange program, and peer support. Since its inception in 2010, ACCESS has provided over $100,000 in grants to local families in need of van modifications, custom and power wheelchairs, adaptive bicycles, special needs car seats, augmentative communication devices, home modifications, and other important durable medical equipment. For more information about ACCESS or for Boo Fest sponsorships, visit https://accesslouisiana.org/boofest-sponsorship/