BRADENTON – The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge and Bradenton Moose Lodge threw a fun-filled children’s Halloween party on Oct. 28.
AMI Moose Lodge #2188 in Bradenton Beach is temporarily closed while the dining room floors are being replaced. The previously scheduled renovations resulted in the lodge needing a place to host its annual children’s Halloween party and Bradenton Moose Lodge #1223 offered its lodge for the occasion.
Upon arrival, the youngsters were greeted by Moose members standing near a long table filled with candy and treats to be placed in their candy bags.
AMI Moose Lodge Senior Regent Debbie Eisenback said, “We are having a fabulous Halloween bash for the kids. We have face painting; we’re going to have pinatas to bash and a costume contest.”
Using a “pinata buster,” the younger attendees were the first to take five swings each at a pumpkin-themed pinata containing three pounds of candy. Several swings by many children were needed before the cardboard pinata burst open and sent the kids in hot pursuit of the fallen candy. The older kids then got their swings at a ghost-themed pinata that lasted long enough for some of the younger kids to take some extra swings too.
The partygoers were treated to a lunch featuring chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese bites prepared by chefs Kyla and Zack.
During the costume contest, the contestants paraded past the two judges who sat at a table filled with games, puzzles and other prizes.
While the party unfolded, AMI Moose Lodge Administrator Byron Dalton said, “The Bradenton Moose was kind enough to host the kid’s Halloween costume party for us because our lodge is undergoing floor renovations. We’ll be open again the first week in December. They’ve been very accommodating and it shows good workmanship between the two lodges. One of the main reasons for the Moose’s existence is to support children and seniors and to do things for the community. It’s a great combination of kids from both lodges and we’re keeping the kids happy.”
Standing next to Dalton, Bradenton Lodge Administrator Wanda Ayers said, “We’ve struggled here with kids’ Halloween parties because we have an older crowd. We started getting a younger crowd a couple of years ago because we had indoor cornhole, and that crowd has children. I was so excited when Byron called and asked if we could partner on the party. We’ve got the room and that way our kids can come and their kids can come. It turned out wonderful. We have well over 50 to 60 kids.”
Ayers said she and Dalton have worked together before as lodge administrators and the cooperation between lodges helps build the Moose fraternity.
Before the party ended, Dalton called forward the volunteers from both lodges and thanked them for making the party a success.
