Church to hold Light Party

A Light Party as a positive alternative to Halloween is being held for the first time by Manukau Central Baptist Church.

Auckland mother Wendy Reid started the first Light Party in 2000 and last year more than 150 were held around the country.

The Manukau church says it’s a better way to celebrate Halloween for parents unhappy with the tradition of encouraging poor behaviour, "rewards on demand" and scary masks and costumes.

Children will be encouraged to come dressed as their favourite superhero or cartoon character and enter the fancy dress competition – but no Halloween or scary costumes.

Entertainment includes bouncy castles, face painting, a treasure hunt, balloon animals, stilt walkers, carnival games, clowns and a Japanese drum group.

There’s also a disco from 7.30pm with a DJ.

For parents there’s the Red Sofa Cafe and family resource area with information on parenting courses and programmes for adults and children.

Hamburgers, a sausage sizzle, candy floss, cakes and slices, chips, icecream and soft drinks will be on sale.

The Light Party is on October 31, 4pm-9pm, at the Manukau Central Baptist Church, 75 Everglade Drive, Totara Heights.

Entry is by gold coin.

For information, call Paula on 268-6670.

- © Fairfax NZ News