On Thursday, October 28th from 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., the Laurel Housing Authority hosted its 3rd annual BOOktacular event.
The event began several years ago, Ailrick Young of the Housing Authority explained, when the department hosted annual haunted houses and treats for Halloween. As the years passed the event grew and members of the Housing Authority recognized the opportunity that the event presented. “We wanted to do something more positive than just candy,” Young explained.
For the last three years, the Laurel Housing Authority has partnered with the Laurel-Jones County Library and other agencies, including the Laurel Fire Department, the Laurel Police Department, and the Shafer Center, to provide trick or treating booths, hamburgers and hot dogs, and free books to all who participate.
“It is designed for the children to have a good time as well as get something to enhance their education,” Eloria Newell James of the Housing Authority explained.
In addition to promoting reading, each year the event also seeks to raise awareness about another topic chosen annually. This year, the event featured information about Housing America Month and the importance of affordable housing.
Event organizers estimated that between 100 and 150 residents would attend the event.
