The Springfield Recreation Department’s annual Halloween Spooktacular was held outside — under blue skies and unseasonably warm temperatures — at Chisholm Park on Sunday, October 30, 2022. Hundreds of community members of all ages gathered to show off their scariest and most original costumes at the annual costume contest. Participants were judged by Mayor Alex Keiser and Joani Lico, Recreation Program Coordinator. After opening remarks by Mayor Keiser and Adam Lieb, Director of Recreation, contest winners in five age categories were revealed by Brendan O’Reilly, Assistant Director of Recreation. Winners received gift cards to Barnes & Noble and TD Pizza, sponsored by Mike Scalera of State Farm Insurance; Scott Seidel of Cardinal Land Properties; Keller Williams Mid-Town Direct Realty; and the Springfield Patriot Chamber of Commerce. Throughout the event, DJ Drew from Summit Soundz entertained the crowd; a photo ring photographed families and texted a free photo gallery to their cell phones; and a roaming magician performed tricks. Give-aways were distributed by Giovanni “John” Apicella, Realtor-Sales Associate, of Keller Williams Mid-Town Direct Realty. Children also received Red Ribbon Week cups, pencils, stickers, and sports balls; played Halloween lawn games in the park; and took pictures behind spooky cut-outs. The first 200 guests who pre-registered for the event enjoyed a basket of warm donuts from the Glazed & Confused food truck. The Springfield Auxiliary Police, Office of Emergency Management (OEM), First Aid Squad, and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) assisted with event logistics, as did Springfield Recreation Department staff and local volunteers. Prior to the event, Springfield Department of Public Works prepared the park and delivered the hay bales. Local officials in attendance included Township Committeeman Richard Huber; Maryellen Brennan, Assistant Township Administrator; Apu Mullick, Springfield First Aid Squad Chief and OEM Deputy Coordinator; and Frank Applegate, OEM Deputy Coordinator.
