Story by Ashley Akerberg
Photos by Mark Daniels
Rotaractor Tiffany Gray hands out festive cake to Island School students. Photo 2-3 Costumed kids enjoy Halloween crafts in the pavilion.
Governors Harbour, Eleuthera – Saturday November 2nd the Rotaract Club of Eleuthera hosted the first ever Halloween Spooktakular at The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve. The event brought together ghosts and goblins from across the island and provided fun and games for all ages.
With over 175 guests in attendance, the Rotaract Club was proud of the successful event which attracted families from across Eleuthera, while providing positive Halloween activities for island youth.
Event-goers filled the Levy Preserve pavilion while enjoying arts and crafts, a full-screen projected scary movie, costume contests, and delicious treats. “We are grateful for the positive energy of our many friends and neighbors who attended the event,” said Levy Preserve Manager and Rotaract President Mark Daniels, adding that “I am satisfied to see our community come together at The Preserve.”
The highlight of the evening was the haunted trail which traversed The Preserve’s fresh water pond, mangrove walkway, and medicinal plant trail. The site’s usual array of nocturnal creepy crawly insects were joined by path-haunting spirits from Bahamian mythology. Members of Central High School’s Inter-Act club volunteered to guide brave party-goers through the haunted path where they were met by magical mermaids, bush dwelling spirits, the dreaded Chickcharney, and more. Screams of terror and delight were heard echoing down Banks Road.
“The best part was watching all of the scared and delighted faces rush by as kids finished the haunted trail,” said Rotaractor and event organizer Jon Williams. “I’m thrilled that we had such a great turnout for our first year, and look forward to a bigger and better event next year!” He added “a huge thank you to the Levy Preserve, the Interact Club of Eleuthera, and the Cape Eleuthera Institute, Island School and Deep Creek Middle School, without whom the night would not have been such a huge success.”
Preparations for the event began early Saturday morning and continued throughout the day until finishing decorations and set-up culminated as darkness fell on The Preserve and the ghostly celebrations began at 7:00pm. The Rotaract Club celebrates its success and is looking forward to making it an annual event.
For more information about the Rotaract Club of Eleuthera events or services, find them on facebook or email rotaracteleuthera@gmail.com
