Halloween fun hits GRIC with departments and programs joining the fun

November 2, 2018

Christopher Lomahquahu

Gila River Indian News

The Gila River Indian Community always gets in the Halloween spirit with schools, tribal departments and programs passing out candy and treats.

It was a howling good time, as pint-sized ghouls, goblins and a few super heroes descended upon the Gila River Indian Community Governance Center for the annual trick or treat event on Oct. 29.

Filling their bags with sweet treats provided by several departments, the kids sauntered their way through the Governance Center lobby and into the Executive Office, which was decorated wall-to-wall in Halloween décor. 

Some of the munchkin-sized visitors from St. Peter Indian Mission School sang a few songs with a Halloween twist.

The annual trick or treat event at the Governance Center is a collaborative effort between Human Resources and GRIC departments, and entities, to bring some festive cheer to the children from schools across the Community.  

For those who dared to venture out to the Sacaton Fairgrounds, they were in for a night of fright at the annual Trail of Doom event on Oct. 30. For individuals wanting a little more thrill, there was a short trail into the darkness, where beings of an unearthly origin greeted them along the Fright Walk. 

The annual Halloween event is hosted by the Gila River Wellness Center, who changed things up a bit with a kid’s fun maze, rides and fitness games to participants of all ages. Elsewhere, the distant sounds of Gertie and the T.O. Boyz could be heard on the main stage, for those wanting a little step in their night.  

Community departments were also setup at their truck or treat stations to hand out tasty treats to the children decked out in their scary, entertaining and creative outfits. Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, was in on the festivities with his Executive team passing out treats to the children. Dressed in a werewolf costume, Lewis greeted people, before going to the main stage to welcome all of the trail of doom participants. 

This year’s event drew an even bigger crowd and was hailed a success