A not-so-spooky Halloween.

Last night, East’s annual “Halloween in the Halls” was held.

This tradition has lasted many years, where children of all ages come out for a different type of trick-or-treating. This year made the fourth in a row that houses have been behind creating the different sections of the halls with all sorts of themes. Last night was the same as all the others, an amazing night of fun and candy for the Bullitt County community.

Halloween in the Halls began in 2006; making it an 11 year old tradition. Teacher and Headmaster of Spero, Kristy Tinelli, has been in charge of Halloween in the Halls for five years, “In 2013 when houses began, I incorporated the idea of themes for each house, and organized the path so that each house had a specific area.” Aside from this, Tinelli does countless other things to make this event as successful as it can possibly be, such as: advertising the event on Facebook, calling businesses for candy donations, making voting ballots for best hallway, and so much more.

Staff and East students prepare for this event weeks, and even months, in advance by bringing in candy, and creating props and decorations for the halls. The past three house days have consisted of planning and creating each house’s specific themed hallway. Just a few of the themes this year were: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Wizard of Oz, Hogwarts, and Madagascar. Tinelli said, “The Headmasters (of each house) carry a lot of weight for preparing- some put in a lot of their time in building and making props, even buying items with their own money.”

Junior at East, Grace Barnes, is in the Fortis house and their theme this year was pirates. To prepare for their hallway set-up, “We got curtains and we set them all up, we’re trying to make it look like a ship in the front and then once you get back here, it’s basically water and mermaids,” said Barnes.

Another student worker, sophomore Keiley Sewell, is a part of the Tharrhountes house, and their theme was Wizard of Oz. “I’ve been working since six in the morning to get everything done and we’ve painted a lot of stuff, and we’ve made a lot of flowers, and spray painted a lot of things and just added little details to everything,” said Sewell.

Residents of Bullitt County bring their children and grandchildren out to this event for an ensured safe night of trick-or-treating. Kids go through the high school, traveling through the various themed hallways, and of course, picking up candy at every turn. Although it was parent Natalie Carpenter’s first time at Halloween in the Halls she said, “It was great… we thought the decorations were great.”

One in particular this year, Finding Dory, was trick-or-treater Emily Young’s favorite, “I liked it because it’s awesome, and I got candy.” This was not her first Halloween in the Halls, and she answered with a definite yes when asked if she would be returning next year.

Among the visitors’ votes for best hallway last night, Pisti received the most, coming in first place. Somnium was second, and finally, Spero came in third.

Not only is the event great for the community’s kids, but also others. Through donations and bake-sale money, roughly $3,500 was raised that will go toward the Yeung family. And an additional $650 from donations will go towards Kosair Children’s hospital. 

And although some are sad that it’s over, there’s no need to worry because it will all be happening again next Halloween.