YMCA’s Spooktacular Party Delivers Fun and Frights for 10th Straight Year

Halloween came early to the North Suburban YMCA on October 22, when over 2000 festive spirits braved stormy weather to enjoy the Y’s 10th Annual Spooktacular community party. This year’s celebration featured an appearance by author Mark Andrew Poe, creator of the Harry Moon Adventures book series, along with the ever-popular costume contests, bounce houses, indoor trick-or-treating, and the Y’s unique Spooky Pool haunted boat ride.

The Harry Moon series involves a young magician and his friends who battle evil spirits to protect their hometown. Author Poe, a resident of Arlington Heights, sees a positive synergy between the message of his books and mission of the YMCA.

“Halloween is for heroes,” said Mark Andrew Poe. “There is nothing more heroic than what the North Suburban YMCA is doing in helping to raise up a values-based generation of young men and women.”

“We love the hero messaging that the Harry Moon series brings to our kids— that they are strong and capable of making a difference with their own goodness. We are delighted that Rabbit Publishers is helping us to reinforce a positive environment with our children at the Y,” said Kim Nyren, Director of Community Investment at the Y. “We hope to involve Harry Moon in events at the Y through the years to come."

Poe signed copies of his book Harry Moon: Halloween Nightmares for young fans during the Halloween Party. Guests also enjoyed activities for all ages, ranging from silly to scary.

More than 150 volunteers and 30 local businesses and organizations committed their time and resources to make the party a success. Sponsors for the event included Northbrook Bank & Trust, 22nd Century Media, Waterway Carwash, Layer 3 TV, Northwestern Medicine, Buffalo Wild Wings, Coldwell Banker Northbrook, Sunset Foods, Tiny But Mighty Foods, Dairy Queen of Northbrook, BY YOUR SIDE - Autism Therapy Services, and Toys R Us of Highland Park.

"Every year the Y seems to outdo itself with this event," exclaimed Christine Murphy of Northbrook. "As a parent, I was so impressed with what they do for special needs families and we loved the book signing by the Harry Moon author. My kids and I felt so welcomed and had a blast!"

The YMCA’s next all-community party will be its Holiday Extravaganza, scheduled for December 10. For information about this and other programs at the North Suburban YMCA, visit NSYMCA.org or call 847 272 7250.

About the North Suburban YMCA
The North Suburban YMCA serves 15 northern suburbs of Chicago, and for over 48 years has provided programs and services that address youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility every day. Working together for good is who we are: An association of people united in a common effort to help individuals become healthier, more connected, and confident. There is no other nonprofit quite like the Y: We have the national and local presence and partnerships to not just promise, but deliver, positive change, making sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. For more information, visit NSYMCA.org.

Photo 1 Caption: NSYMCA CEO/President Howard Schultz interviews Kaitlyn Fielding of Wheeling during a costume contest at the Y’s 10th Annual Halloween Spooktacular Party.
Photo 2 Caption: Thom Black and Mark Andrew Poe, creators of The Adventures of Harry Moon, signed books and met fans at the North Suburban YMCA’s 10th Annual Spooktacular Halloween Party.