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Here’s what’s on tap for BocaWeen

This Halloween – or BocaWeen, as it’s known on the island – Boca Grande will be host to five different events focusing on the thrills and chills of the season. On Friday, Oct. 30 the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce Halloween Walk will be held downtown from 4 to 6 p.m. In a tradition that was established years ago, businesses will be open and doling out treats for all island children.

Following the walk, at 7 p.m. the Boca Grande Woman’s Club will host a “Spooktacular” event at the Boca Grande Community Center.

The program is a fun, non-scary family show for all ages. The stars of the show will be James and Lori Chartier who feature magic, comedy, audience participation and Halloween safety tips in their routine.

Admission is free.

For adults, the Royal Palm Players will hold a “Halloween Horror Night” on Friday at The Temptation at 7 p.m.

The evening will include dinner, two “horrifying” skits and a creepy costume contest. Prizes will be awarded for the “Scariest,” “Most Original” and “Judge’s Choice.”

Tickets are $25 each, and do not include dinner. Call Royal Palm Players at 964-2564 or stop by for reservations. The office is located at 333 Park Ave., Suite 2B.

On Halloween night at the Boca Grande Community Center it’s time for all little goblins to have a great time at the “Haunted” Halloween Carnival. The carnival is set for Saturday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. and will begin with the traditional costume contest at 4 p.m.

The age groups will be 0-3, 4-5, 6-8 and 9-12. For those entering the contest, register on the stage no later than 3:55 p.m. Awards and ribbons will be given to every child.

Following the costume contest everyone is invited to have fun playing homemade Halloween carnival games, eating hamburgers and hot dogs from the “Black Cat” Café, entering the cake walk or trying to dunk our very own Lee County Sheriff’s Deputies. Another special guest will also enter the tank.

“Iguana George had such a great time in the dunk tank last year, he will be doing it again this year,” said Joe Wier, supervisor for Lee County Parks and Recreation.

This year families are asked to donate one bag or more of individually-wrapped soft candy per child. Wier said, “If you do not have a child and would like to donate candy, it would be appreciated. We also need cakes for the cake walk.”

That event will be held at the Crowninshield Community House. All cakes must be dropped off on Saturday, Oct. 31 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Community House.

“We are always looking for volunteers to staff the game booths, sell tickets, pass out food, and help out with overall preparations of the carnival,” Wier said. “It’s always a great time for the kids and for the adults who help out.”

If you would like to volunteer, call the Community Center at 964-2564.

Finally, South Beach will hold their annual Halloween costume party and contest on Halloween, beginning around 10 p.m. The Boca Bande will be performing.

According to Bart DeStefano, co-owner of the business, people are encouraged to dress in their Halloween “best.”

“We give prizes for first, second and third place,” he said. “We haven’t decided on the prizes, but they usually involve gift certificates, wine, things like that. It’s a tradition now.”

According to historical documents, South Beach, once known as Laff-a-Lott, has been hosting a Halloween party for more than 25 years. The cover charge is $5.

For more information contact Bart or Marco at 964-0765.