CWU’s Boo Central Fun Family Halloween Alternative

October 27, 2009

ELLENSBURG, Wash. — Trick or treat? At Central Washington University’s 17th annual Boo Central, families get both. Boo Central, which is free and open to the public, is in Central’s SURC Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, starting at 5 p.m. The event provides children through fifth grade and their families a great opportunity to celebrate a safe and fun Halloween.

Boo Central turns Halloween from a candy collecting competition into a fun experience for the entire family. Each year, around 500 kids turn out for the festivities.

“I like the safe trick-or-treating atmosphere Boo Central provides for kids,” says Rachel Simonson, Campus Activities special events programmer. “It also gives the campus clubs and organizations a chance to get involved and provide something fun for the children and community.”

Everyone is encouraged to dress up and enjoy various booths and games with prizes. Participating clubs and organizations set an appropriate Halloween ambiance without making it too scary for the younger kids. Each year, the Chemistry Club booth is one of the most popular because of its spooky demonstrations. Dressed up like mad scientists, club members mix magic concoctions in beakers, make gooey ooblik, light off hydrogen balloons, experiment with dry ice and make slime.

“A lot of the clubs will have games, such as fishing for prizes and various art projects,” Simonson adds. “In addition to all the games and fun, each kid is guaranteed to go home with a bag of candy!”

Boo Central is sponsored by CWU Campus Activities. Persons of disability may make arrangements for reasonable accommodation by calling 509-963-1691 or (for the hearing impaired) TDD 509-963-2143.

Media Contact: Scott Drummond, Campus Activities, 509-963-1691, drummond@cwu.edu

Teri Olin, CWU Public Relations & Marketing, 509-963-1416, olint@cwu.edu

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of placebound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.