Veterans and local volunteers came together this weekend at the VFW Hall in Spearfish to provide a safe, family‑focused Halloween celebration. The American Legion Post 164 and its Auxiliary Unit 164 organized the second annual Safe Halloween Carnival, aimed specifically at children ten years old and younger.
Family‑friendly activities and 3‑D‑printed gifts
The carnival featured a range of interactive stations, including pumpkin decorating, ring toss, pumpkin bowling, photo booths and large craft tables where kids could personalize their own trick‑or‑treat bags. Instead of handing out sugary snacks immediately, candy and treats were distributed as families left the event, allowing children to concentrate on the games.
A standout element of this year’s carnival was the giveaway of nearly 850 toys printed on a 3‑D printer. Kevin Klunder, Children and Youth Director for Post 164, spent weeks preparing the items. “I made 847 toys,” Klunder said. “There are fidgets, pumpkins, dragons—everything. Each child receives a printed item at each game, so a child who plays all five games goes home with five unique toys.”
Why a pre‑Halloween event matters
Organizers emphasized that holding the carnival the weekend before October 31 gives families a chance to enjoy community activities before the busy holiday night. Micheline Nelson, president of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 164, explained, “We select the age group so families with very young children have something to do that adults might not be able to take them to on Halloween day. We want to make sure they have a good time, families are involved, and it’s a family deal.”
Nelson also offered practical safety advice for the upcoming night: “Be visible—choose a costume that can be seen as it gets dark. Don’t go alone; have an adult with you. It doesn’t matter your age; if you’re a teenager, go out in a group.”
Community support and free admission
The collaboration between the American Legion Post, its Auxiliary and the VFW provided both the venue and the volunteer manpower needed to keep the carnival free for all attending families. Local leaders praised the event as a model of community service, reinforcing the values of faith, family and individual liberty that many residents hold dear.
As Halloween approaches, organizers encourage parents to continue prioritizing safety while enjoying the holiday traditions. The Safe Halloween Carnival demonstrates how local veterans and civic groups can work together to create a wholesome, secure environment for the next generation.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
