Around town: Halloween spirit at the library

By Ernie Wren, Boone County Journal

The Southern Boone County Public Library is really getting into the Halloween holiday spirit! This past Thursday, my wife and I enjoyed their potion making crafts activity, with Danna making a “Good Luck” potion while I made a “Health and Fitness” potion. All supplies were provided, and it was lots of fun for us both. This weekend, Saturday, Oct. 18, the library is hosting a “Thrifted Art Ghost Paintings” session at 3 p.m. Per their Facebook page, “Bring new life — or afterlife! — to outdated, thrifted artwork by adding your own spooky touches! Join us to try out this popular social media trend and add a little haunt to your house. Bring thrifted or garage sale artwork of your own or choose from our limited supply. Painting materials will be provided. Teens and adults. Please register at www.dbrl.org/register-ashland.” Danna and I have registered, hope to see many of you readers there as well!

I’d like to do a shoutout to Woody’s Pub and Grub, Keith and Natalie Winscott, and all the crew there, for their continued commitment to helping the community. The annual “King of Wings” was a tremendous success, with funds raised towards the SBC Buddy Pack program. They’re also promoting small businesses via the “Woody’s Holiday Sip N Shop” on Sunday, Nov. 2, from noon to 3 p.m. This will be a wonderful opportunity to get started on your Christmas gift shopping while supporting small local businesses. There will be lots of unique, handcrafted items you’re not going to find in stores, along with holiday vibes and mingling with friends. This will be a lot of fun!

It was great to listen to local business owner Caitlin of the Dandelion Café being highlighted on 102.3 Radio BXR. Listening to Caitlin talk about the comfort foods that are prepared fresh at the café made me hungry to get back in. The Cuban sandwich is another favorite choice of mine, and I am always tempted by their pastries. Kudos to another local business being spotlighted for its excellent products!

REMINDERS: On Saturday, Oct. 25, the 8th Annual Monster Dash 5K Run/Walk will be hosted by the Southern Boone Area YMCA. There will be pumpkin decorating, a Halloween Costume Contest (I plan to win it this year!), complimentary refreshments, and an awards ceremony. This year’s event will start at 8 a.m. (race starts at 9 a.m.), at the YMCA.

The Ashland Optimist Club is hosting its annual “Spooktacular” again this year on Friday, Oct. 31, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ashland Optimist Club, 511 Optimist Drive. This event is FREE for the public and participating businesses and organizations. To reserve a space and/or sponsor a prize, contact me at erniewren@gmail.com or text me at 573-239-1105. New this year: Trunk decorators will have the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes from the following sponsors!

Bluebird Custom Painting LLC is providing three trophies for three trunk decoration winners. Jose Jalapenos has provided three $25 gift cards, and Jordan Craig of American Life Insurance has provided three $25 gift cards from Walmart. All costumed participants can place their name in a drawing for a Jaylon Watson signed KC Chiefs mini-helmet and a month membership to the YMCA, compliments of the Southern Boone Area YMCA. The Boone County Journal will also be taking pictures to be featured in the Journal Annual Halloween Costume Pictures edition. So, make plans to be there and be sure to thank the sponsors!

Halloween Trivia: The tradition of turning up on your neighbor’s doorstep and asking for treats is far from a new tradition. In medieval times, the same activity, known as ‘guising,’ took place in Scotland and Ireland. Guising saw youngsters going door-to-door asking for money and food in exchange for songs, rhymes or ‘tricks’ they could perform. (history.co.uk)