Frightful fun fills downtown Goldsboro
By Barbara Arntsen
Published in News on October 31, 2004 2:04 AM
Halloween got off to a boo-ti-ful start Friday during downtown Goldsboro's annual Boo-It celebration.
A host of colorful characters, from pumpkins to witches, superheroes and fairies, flitted across the pedestrian plaza on Center Street.
From 4 to 5 p.m., the small ghosts, goblins and vampires were entertained by games, contests and Halloween music. Kids danced to the sounds of the "Monster Mash" and the "Addams Family" theme song. "Ghostbusters" caused a few participants in the cupcake walk to begin breakdancing around the circle.
Yellow balloons floated above the tents, disappearing into the cloudy gray sky.
In one corner, the costumed characters lined up to have their faces painted, or to play a variety of games, including can bashing, wheel spinning and tic-tac-toe.
Every child received a prize for playing a game.
Sugar treats were abundant, even before the kids left the plaza to hit up the downtown stores for treats. Over 50 merchants participated in the Boo-It celebration, sponsored by the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation.
One tired looking mother said her kids wouldn't be going to all the stores for candy.
"They'll be going to some of them," she said. "I want to get a free burger."
At the stroke of 5 o'clock, hundreds of kids filled the sidewalks downtown, looking for the orange cones that identified participating stores.