2 Great Halloween Events for the Jersey Shore communities

After a long hiatus, the Jersey Shore Area is producing 2 great family events on Saturday, October 31- Halloween Trunk or Treat and Outdoor movie event in the early evening. Both events are free and open to the public as part of the Jersey Shore Arts Center's mission to provide low-cost and free events.

The first event, the Trunk or Treat will be held in our South Parking area, off of Lawrence Avenue, and will feature a free Halloween craft - decorate your own trick or treat bag and 16 car trunks of candy and treats. Nichole Nappi, executive director explained, "I though about the difficulties everyone was experiencing during COVID-19 and the thought that families and kids were going to miss out on yet another holiday didn't seem fair or right." All precautions will be taken to provide social distancing (the cars are being spaced 6 feet apart so volunteers can remain safe and masks are required for entry into the South Parking area thus only 16 car trunks. Gloves will be provided upon request and we will have hand sanitizer stations throughout the event. The Halloween craft will be the first activity as they enter the area followed by the holiday Trunk or Treat area.

The next event, The Halloween Outdoor Movie, "The Nightmare Before Christmas", featured in the paved North Parking area, will start seating at 5pm and the feature film will begin soon after 6pm. It is strongly recommended that attendees pre-register for the movie before Saturday, October 31 due to limited seating in the main North Parking Area. Only registered attendees will be allowed to seat prior to 6pm to prevent crowding and allow for groups and social distancing. All attendees are welcome to bring beach chairs and blankets. No tents or tables will be permitted. Again, all attendees will be required to wear masks to gain entry into the event and family groups must arrive together to be seated. Free goody bags for kids 12 and younger will be given away and canned refreshments and packaged candy will be available for sale.

Both events are free and a donation box will be available to those attendees willing to donate to help cover the cost of the event. Business sponsorships are available for both events and are $25 for each option: 4'x5' Fence Banner, Movie Sponsor and Goody Bag Sponsor. Treats and candy can be given in lieu of the Movie sponsorship fee. Email nnappi@jerseyshoreartscenter.org to inquire about entry form, details and availability for the various sponsorship options. Nichole explained, "I know businesses are experiencing financial difficulty so I kept the sponsor cost low in order to allow many businesses to benefit from this event. $25 fee seemed doable and if that fee is difficult, we will welcome in-kind donations as well."

If you have any questions regarding the upcoming Halloween events, please email nnappi@jerseysghoreartscenter.org. The Jersey Shore Arts Center (the Old Netpune High School building) is located at 66 South Main Street in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. The Jersey Shore Arts Center (Ocean Grove Historic Preservation Society) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts and historic organization whose mission is to support the arts, local artists, arts educators and organizations with affordable space and to provide low-cost and free programming that is available to all jersey Shore residents. To learn more about the Jersey Shore Arts Center, visit www.JerseyShoreArtsCenter.org to learn more about the projects, programs and studio residents that create and work inside the artist spaces in the building.