Halloween celebrations got an early start this past weekend, enjoying a morning of a jumble of seasonal activities, collectively called a “Boo Bash” by organizers.
Held in the eastern parking lot at the Galaxy Theatres complex on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to noon, it involved a number of commercial vendors, selling both food and products, community organizations, safety fair participants, and individuals and organizations hosting trunk or treat sites.
“Love Riverbank’s Halloween Safety Boo Bash was a huge success, drawing an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 community members for a morning of family fun, safety education, and neighborhood connection,” said Love Riverbank City Leader Sammi Martinez. “Held in partnership with Riverbank Parks and Recreation and generously hosted by Galaxy Theatres, the event transformed the Galaxy parking lot into a festive Halloween village filled with decorated trunks, costumed families, and community spirit. Galaxy Theatres manager Donald Golani played a vital role in supporting the event, helping create a safe and welcoming environment for all.”
The Boo Bash, Martinez added, featured over 40 Trunk-or-Treat hosts, each showcasing creative themes while handing out candy and smiles to Riverbank families. From spooky skeletons to superhero trunks, the event offered safe trick-or-treating fun for kids of all ages.
Also featured were six interactive activity stations, including slime making, wood crafts, pumpkin painting, and a sensory-friendly coloring booth specially designed for children with autism and other sensory needs, Martinez said.
“Families praised the event for prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility,” she added. “One of the most exciting highlights of the day was the special landing by a Reach Air Medical Services helicopter. Crew members stayed to meet families, give tours of the aircraft, and teach kids about emergency response and safety.”
Also thanks to a generous donation from Home Depot, a massive 12-foot skeleton was raffled off to one lucky winner.
“We are overwhelmed by the incredible turnout and community support,” said Martinez. “This event brought together families, friends, and local safety and health partners to celebrate Riverbank in a safe and meaningful way. It truly showed the heart of our community.”
The Boo Bash also showcased the Community Emergency Response Team, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Department and Preferred Plumbing and Drain.
It was just one of a number of similar events scheduled this month and next.
The Riverbank High Sports Boosters held their second annual Fall Festival at the campus on Sunday, Oct. 19 featuring carnival games, delicious treats, food vendors, raffles and festive activities that were designed to capture the spirit of fall.
Haunted Hayride is scheduled to return to Jacob Myers Park on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25, after dark. Trailers take participants into the back of the park, where numerous scare sites have been created for their enjoyment.
On Saturday, Nov. 1, Riverbank will celebrate Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead.
The multi-day holiday is traditionally celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2, and involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have died. These celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember amusing events and anecdotes about the departed.
It is widely observed in Mexico, where it largely developed, and is also observed in other places, especially by people of Mexican heritage. In Riverbank, Day of the Dead will be celebrated on Nov. 1, in downtown, at the Plaza del Rio Park.
News Editor Marg Jackson contributed to this report.
