Pikeville Halloween festival
By Andrew Bell
Published in News on October 26, 2006 2:32 PM
Little ghouls and goblins will scare up some fun when they converge in Pikeville for this year's Halloween festival Oct. 31.
The event will last from 6 to 9 p.m. on Halloween in the town's park. Coordinators will hand out candy to children for the first half of the night. During the rest of the evening, prizes will be available for everyone.
The purpose of the Halloween festival is so every child, parent and resident has a safe place to enjoy the spooky holiday, Pikeville resident Dennis Lewis said.
Previous Pikeville Halloweens were difficult for local law enforcement officers, Lewis said. Two police officers would patrol the town while hundreds of kids roamed the streets. Lewis said he hopes it will be easier for officers with all of the children in one location. The event should also limit automobile traffic, any potential accidents and crimes, he added.
Carnival-like games will be open to children throughout the night. And hot dogs and drinks will be served for a dollar. All other food, such as sweet potato chips and roasted peanuts, will also be available, Lewis said.
But no Halloween is complete without costumes. The costume competition will begin at 7:30 p.m.
There will be six categories of prizes for best costume, consisting of prizes for children up to 6 years old, children between 7 and 12 years old, teenagers, adults and pets. There will also be a separate category for anyone interested in decorating a vehicle or table, Lewis said.
The night isn't all about the children, Lewis said. Adults will also have entertainment available while the costume contest is under way.
The "Tribute To The King" show Ray Johnson created includes exact replicas of Elvis' 1970s-era jumpsuit costumes. The jewelry, sunglasses and concert belts are even made by the same designers who made them for Elvis. Johnson has performed across the country and is a member of the Professional Elvis Impersonators Association.
Johnson has performed with country music stars such as Johnny Paycheck, Jack Green and Ronnie McDowell. The nationally recognized Elvis impersonator will perform at Pikeville's Halloween festival at 7:30 p.m.
If it rains on Oct. 31, the event will be held at Charles B. Aycock High School's gymnasium, Lewis said.