Shirley Dueber, one of the organizers of the annual Spooky Alley Halloween
event, noted that while last two year’s iterations were a success, the fact that
they had to be drive-thru events meant it wasn’t quite the same.

“It was fun, but not nearly as much fun as when we can watch the kids
playing games,” Dueber said.

This year, Spooky Alley brings back the fun and games as it returns to its
usual haunt, the Hoodland Park Plaza, 68200 Hwy. 26 in Welches, from 6:30-
8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31.

Dueber noted that among the popular games returning are a hole-in-one golf
game and a guessing game where contestants can try to figure out how many
candies are in a bowl, with the winner taking home all the candy.

“In that game, no adult has ever won. It’s amazing,” Dueber said, adding that
the game has been part of the event for nearly 20 years and more often than
not parents will think their kids’ guesses will be ridiculous.

The annual event also offers costume judging, with different times for
different ages of kids: children up to three years old will be at 6:45 p.m.,
children ages four to seven at 7 p.m., children ages eight to 12 at 7:15 p.m.,
children 13 and older at 7:30 p.m. and a grand prize ceremony at 7:45 p.m.
Dueber also noted that the event needs support, both with donations and
volunteers.

Much of the work is done before the event actually happens, with up to 20
people working different shifts on the days immediately before. Another 20
people typically facilitate the games on the night of the event, while there
may be up to eight volunteers needed for the food room.

Anyone interested in volunteering or supporting the event can contact Dueber
at 503-349-6879.

And even though Dueber has spent many years making Halloween a fun and
enjoyable night for the Mountain community, she still hasn’t lost her passion
for the event.

“I’m getting excited about the fact that we’re going to have a normal Spooky
Alley,” she said. “I’ll probably be more excited than the kids.”