The second annual Fright and Fun on Fredonia on Oct. 29 welcomed children and families from all over Peoria to “greek row” for tricks, treats and plenty of activities.
Bradley’s fraternity and sorority community established Fright and Fun on Fredonia in 2012 with the goal of providing a safe, fun environment for members of the Peoria community to trick-or-treat, as well as encourage better connect with the community.
Lauren Cassidy, ’13, was working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria when she felt the need to put on a special event for the kids.
“The kids I worked with don’t live in the best area and had expressed to me that they probably wouldn’t be doing much trick-or-treating because the area they lived in wasn’t the safest to be in late at night,” Cassidy said.
With the help of former Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Jesse Koch, Lindsey March, ‘13, and a few others, Cassidy started to get bags of candy and games donated from all over the country to put on an event
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“I never had to worry about my safety on Halloween growing up,” Cassidy said. “I wanted to be able to give that feeling to my kids at the club, and all the children in Peoria, even if it was just that night.”
With the success of last year’s event attracting more than 500 people to campus, Fright and Fun on Fredonia was extended by an hour this year to reach a larger audience, making the event from 4 to 7 p.m.
“My favorite part was seeing all the kids dress up in their different costumes,” junior psychology and social work major Stephanie Shyken said. “I think it was a success. As long as the kids were having fun in a safe environment, it would be considered a success in my eyes, regardless of how many total kids came.”
The three-hour event invited families and children of all ages to participate in a trick-or-treating environment where each greek house, along with numerous different Bradley organizations, put on activities and pass out candy.
Senior psychology major Brianna Blackshire dressed up as Pooh Bear from Winnie the Pooh, while friend and senior education major Abi Halberstadt dressed as Tigger.
“When you’ve got the best friends in the forest, you don’t have to take yourself too seriously,” Blackshire said.
Photo booths, basketball, Halloween music, bean bag toss, popcorn machines, Halloween-themed surprises and lots of costumes were found up and down Fredonia Avenue.
Students said they enjoyed giving back to the community.
“It was awesome to see kids all dressed up on Fredonia and to be able to help them get into the spirit of Halloween,” said freshman chemistry major Devon James.
Shyken said it was an opportunity to bring campus together.
“Overall, I really just loved that the greek community and many other organizations all came together and helped the kids of Peoria have a safe Halloween,” she said.
