By P.J. GLISSON
Wakefield - A "Fun Frolic" at the Wakefield-Marenisco K-12 School packed the gym Saturday as fuzzy animals, skeletons, mummies, superheroes, and even a pint-sized policeman ran to and fro with pumpkin-faced bags, collecting candy and memories while making lots of noise.
The event, which was bursting with joy, featured a central area circled in chairs, where tiny witches, goblins, etc. could play safely in a munchkin-sized acrylic house or shoot balls into a tiny basketball hoop as their parents watched.
Around the periphery of the gym were numerous games, including a pumpkin toss, a ring toss onto a witch's hat, and a "ghost toss" game in which toilet paper rolls had to be thrown into a toilet bowl.
High school senior Hailey Hautala was in charge of a plinko game, with her niece, Jordynn Carretta of Wausau, Wis., acting as her assistant.
Among kids enjoying the game were Reid Paquette, son of Jesse Paquette, and Ty Leone, son of Kristie Staff, all of Wakefield. When asked if he was dressed as an astronaut, Reid explained he was specifically a "stormtrooper," which is a Star Wars movie character.
Kids also could participate in a "cake walk," which was a musical chairs type of activity, next to which was a table full of delectable treats. They also had an opportunity to win a ride to school in a fire truck.
A photo area included hay bales, pumpkins and a Halloween backdrop. Angie Darwin of Wakefield was one of many parents taking photos of children. Her son, J.J., was dressed as "Jason" of the film "Friday the 13th."
Refreshments such as pizza and beverages were available, with some folks opting to take them to the balcony, where they could enjoy their snack while gazing down at all the commotion.
Perhaps the most exciting option at the event was a "haunted hallway" underneath the gym. Created by superintendent Jason Gustafson and his son, Alex, the experience began with eerily lit cobwebs and giant spiders surrounding the steps leading down to the area.
The hall itself was lined with large and little ghosts, incandescent lights, skeletons, tombstones, and other frightful sights. At the end of the journey was a veil of dangling hands and a table full of skulls.
After waiting for a friend or two to accompany them, children ran for their lives through the scary tunnel, but then ran back again, and again, shrieking with delight.
Gustafson said the school's senior class was in charge of this year's Fun Frolic. He said the Class of 2019 set it up as a fundraiser to help finance the "lock-in" they will enjoy after graduation at the end of the school year.
According to the superintendent, the seniors will cap off their graduation ceremony by "locking" themselves within the school to stay up all night, playing games, partaking in refreshments, and just enjoying each other's company in "a safe environment." He said every year's lock-in has different events, with last year's including a Jeopardy game between students and teachers.