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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Pelham YMCA is gearing up for a new community tradition this fall with the first-ever Boo Bash, a free Halloween celebration set for Thursday, Oct. 23, from 5:30–8:30 p.m.

The event will transform the Pelham YMCA into a family-friendly space filled with games, trick-or-treating, activities and opportunities for community connection. Both members and nonmembers are invited to attend.

“Boo Bash is a fun event that welcomes both members and nonmembers for free to come together and celebrate our Pelham community,” said Addison Davis, aquatics director and Boo Bash coordinator. “We’re going to have Halloween-themed activities, tables handing out candy, a Zombie Zumba class that runs every 30 minutes and a movie with popcorn donated by the Vestavia AMC. We’ll also have Kona Ice joining the fun.”

Davis said the idea for the event was inspired by her own connection to the YMCA and its impact on her life growing up.

“I love the Y,” she said. “A big factor is the community and the family it brings. I grew up with the Pelham YMCA being a part of my youth development, and I feel that having a Y in a community is a necessity for people of all ages.”

The Boo Bash is also designed to highlight the YMCA’s mission of promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

“Since COVID, I’ve heard multiple times that people ‘don’t know what they don’t know,’” Davis said. “I think having an event like this not only opens the doors for both members and nonmembers to see what we have to offer, but it provides that safe space for community where everyone benefits.”

Families can expect Halloween games, temporary tattoos, candy tables hosted by local volunteers and small businesses, the recurring Zombie Zumba class and the movie area with popcorn.

The YMCA is still seeking help from local businesses, organizations and individuals to make the event possible.

“I would love any and all volunteers interested in helping out,” Davis said. “This can look like running candy to tables, heading activities or decorating tables to hand out candy. They can decorate however they’d like, as long as it’s appropriate, and provide a few bags of candy to hand out. We’re also doing a candy drive, so if all people can do is donate candy, that’s fine too.”

Davis said she hopes attendees leave Boo Bash with a better sense of what the YMCA represents.

“I want people to feel that, when they walk in the doors, they feel the community and understand that there really is a place for everyone,” she said. “The Y is not just a swim and gym.”

The Pelham YMCA Boo Bash will take place Thursday, Oct. 23, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at the Pelham YMCA, and admission is free for all ages.

For more information or to get involved, contact the Pelham YMCA or visit their website and social media pages.