Photos courtesy of Healthy New Albany
In 2015, when the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany first opened, Program Manager Abbey Brooks was challenged to come up with a fun, family-friendly Halloween event with a healthful twist.
Thus was born Trick, It’s a Treat this year slated for Oct. 6. As it turns out, Halloween is much more than just candy.
“I’ve been involved with various Halloween events around central Ohio, and I think they’re so much fun. Kids love them,” says Brooks. “I thought we could have that exact kind of fun, but do it in a more healthful way.”
Brooks wasn’t alone in that thinking. About 33 vendors and 600 people turned up at the Heit Center last year to join in on the fun. Children were invited to come in costume, play various games and sample some of the healthful treats provided by such vendors as Healthy Essentials, Jorgensen Farms, Fresh Thyme and Chipotle. Pumpkin bowling, prize wheels, crafts and an obstacle course provided by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Health and Fitness Center made the event one to behold.
Organizers quickly learned that not getting candy on Halloween isn’t a deal-breaker for most kids. Brooks’ own children, Caroline, 6, and Henry, 4, paid little attention to the lack of sugary treats.
“They loved it, they had a great time. … My kids were excited because they got to wear their costumes out of the house,” says Brooks.
Amanda DePerro is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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