By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
Halloween may be a favorite holiday for most children as they get to go out and see how much candy they can collect, but Halloween also is enjoyed by adults. Kids have fun dressing up in costumes, playing games and having a good time and so do adults.
This year Manville is filled with great opportunities for adults to get out and have a good time with friends for Halloween while also supporting local organizations. In the next two weeks, there are four events for adults to enjoy.
The first begins with the Manville Hillsborough Elks holding a Halloween party on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Elks Lodge on Brooks Boulevard. The event is being run by the Elks motorcycle club and Elk member Mark Nipps.
”It was four years ago when Kim Romano came up with the idea to do a fundraiser for Halloween for the Elks. I know years ago the Elks used to have Halloween parties and it was something that they got away from. Basically we went to the Elks with the idea and it went off from there,” Mr. Nipps said.
All of the proceeds raised from the event will help out with another charity. “The Halloween party that we are having is to benefit Community Hope of New Jersey which is involved with the VA hospital. The money that we raise through our Halloween party will go toward purchasing gift certificates for the Veterans to be used at Christmas time. Community Hope is transitional housing and the guys still need money to buy clothes, groceries and other accessories,” Mr. Nipps said.
There will be a costume contest, door prizes donated from local businesses, munchies, beer, wine and soda. Music for the night will be provided by the Hit N Run Band.
According to Mr. Nipps, “It is more or less a costume party. Anybody can come out and have a good time and support a cause but it is basically geared toward Halloween and getting dressed up.”
The party is open to adults only over 21. Tickets in advance are $20 and for tickets contact the Elks lodge at 908-725-1717, Mr. Nipps at 908-420-0868 or by e-mail at [email protected] Tickets are available at the door for those who can’t decide but the price will be $30 that night.
At the American Legion on South Main Street a Halloween costume party will be held on Saturday, Oct. 30, from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $18 per person for adults only over 21 and includes food, beer, door prizes and a DJ. Different activities are also being planned.
Toni Lance is one of the host organizers of this event.
”Costumes are a must as there are prizes usually three different prizes. We decorate the hall a lot,” she said. “A couple of people are coming in and it is going to look really good. It is starting to become an annual event. It is our third year and we are trying to have it every year. Every year is keeps getting bigger and bigger. It is definitely a fun time and something for adults to do. The last two years has been very successful.”
Tickets are available at the American Legion from lunch time until closing or by calling the Legion at 908-429-0304.
Fire Company No. 1 is having Scream Fest 2010, also on Saturday, Oct. 30. Fireman Tony Toporowski is behind this chilling event. All ages are welcome to attend as this is an alcohol-free event.
”It is a battle of the bands, mostly heavy metal. It kind of fits the holiday season as something that you don’t see a lot around here anymore,” he said.
The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the first band will go on around 6:15 and it may go on until about 11:30 p.m.
There are five bands performing that night: The Rise and Fall, Rose Dreamers, A Need for Reason, Second Hand Drunk, and Fine Truth. Costumes are not necessary to attend but Mr. Toporowski said one of the bands is promising to come in costume.
Tickets are $8 in advance at the Chester House and $10 at the door. Tickets can also be purchased by coming to firehouse No. 1 on South Third Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. The tickets are just for the show and refreshments will be available for purchase. The event is being sponsored by Jim’s Soft Pretzels and the Chester House.
”All of the benefits to go firehouse No. 1 for the general fund. I did it for the rescue squad last year and it is just to bring some music back to Manville and have something to do. Music is scarce around here lately,” Mr. Toporowski said.
” I remember going to shows when I was a kid all over and we really don’t have that anymore. It gives whoever wants to come and have a good time, a good time. Come out and have a good time and enjoy the night.”
Sunday, Oct. 31, is Halloween night and the VFW on Washington Avenue will host a free party from 7 to 11 p.m. Jamie Straszewski invites everyone to come out in the dark to have some fun.
”It has been going on for quite a while. Last year was the first year that we didn’t have anything. I actually have attended Halloween parties here in the past when I was younger so I know it has been going on for at least 10 years,” she said.
The party is for ages 18 and up as “You don’t have to be 21 to get in but you have to be 21 to drink but people will be carded,” said Ms. Straszewski.
There will be door prize tickets handed out as you come in and there will be a costume contest. “Costumes are not required but is preferred as it is a Halloween party on Halloween,” Ms. Straszewski said.
”We are doing it as a Halloween celebration to draw people into the club and help support us. Some of the proceeds are going to a lot of the projects that we do around here and we need a lot of support from the community. Bring friends and family; it is just not for members,” said Ms. Straszewski.
Admission is free and if you come in costume, you will receive a door prize ticket. During the night, a 50/50 raffle will be run and drawn at the end of the night. There will be Guess the Candy Corn and free food will be contributed by the members.
”It is going to be a lot of fun with great things to do,” Ms. Straszewski said.

