It’s not every day you see princesses and superheroes walking through Greek row, but Halloween is not like any other day of the year. This year was extra special because it was finally back in person.
Here in Bloomington, the Greek community is giving back to the local community with an event called Safe Halloween. The event is free and open to the public. This event has been happening for over 10 years now, but due to the pandemic it was cancelled last year. This is a great opportunity for the local youth to build a sense of community and have fun with college students. The children and their families get to walk up and down Greek row while receiving candy from all the three Greek councils, PHA, IFC, and NPHC.
It is not only exciting for the little kids, but the big kids as well.
Carson Retting, Jackson Dodd, Riley Ferguson, and Matt Smith are members of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
Halloween is one of the worlds oldest holidays. According to the History website, “The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.” Back in the eighth century, Pope Gregory III chose November 1st as a time to honor all the saints. Later on, All Saints Day incorporated a few traditions of the Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later called Halloween. Over time, Halloween incorporated activities like costumes, candy and trick or treating.
Even though Halloween is originally derived from ancient festivals, it is still widely celebrated around the world today. Different versions of the holiday are celebrated in many countries. For example, in Mexico and other countries with large Mexican populations, the Day of the Dead is celebrated.
Halloween is for children of all ages, including adults. Safe Halloween proves to show that this isn’t just for the local youth to enjoy, but the local Greek university students to enjoy as well. They love to pass out the candy and pick out their favorite costumes. One group of guys who are a part of an IFC council, could not contain their excitement for the event.
Franco Matticoli, Russell Donaldson, Patrick Simoncic, Teddy Myers, and Alex Johnson are members of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
Many children and their families wore lots of unique costumes. Parents expressed how great it was to see the communities come back together in person. One parent said, “It’s just so nice to see people out and about.” The kids really loved the candy and especially the hot chocolate. Local families look forward to this event every year. Since the event was cancelled last year, it was easy to see the happiness on all the children’s faces.
This is also one of the few events where all three of the Greek councils get to contribute to the same event. Not often do they get the chance to give back to the city of Bloomington together as one.
Covid Permitting, Safe Halloween looks to return to the extension on Greek row in October of next year.
