For the past 28 years, Mississippi State University has had a Halloween carnival, and this year is no exception. The Halloween carnival, presented by the Mississippi State University Campus Activities Board, will be held Thursday from 6:30-11 p.m. at the MSU amphitheater. According to Paula Raffo of CAB, this year’s carnival will be the largest yet with 65 booths sponsored by MSU organizations and Starkville groups. The booths will have different activities that will appeal to college students and children alike. Some of the booths will have games, such as pie throws, bean bag tosses and cake walks. Others will have face painting and fortune readings. Tickets for booth activities can be purchased for 25 cents to $1.
Like years past, the proceeds will benefit the needy; this year proceeds are going to Josh Brownlee, a 9-year-old Starkville fourth-grader who suffers from Osteogenecis 5, or Brittle Bone Disease.
“I think the organizations that are participating are wonderful,” said Andrea Slocum, the student in charge of the carnival. “It goes to show that MSU really cares about helping someone in need.”
Brittle Bone Disease inhibits proper growth of bones. As a result, Brownlee is 28 inches tall and weighs 21 pounds. Proceeds gained at the carnival will go toward Brownlee’s medical and living expenses.
The carnival schedule starts off with trick or treating on sorority and fraternity rows at 5:30.
A children’s costume contest follows, and three winners will be chosen from three different age groups. The MSU Fashion Board will sponsor the “ScHAIRy Hair Show.”
Americorps will also sponsor a children’s book drive that benefits local schools.
The carnival concludes with a free showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
“This year, the carnival will be bigger and better than ever and lots of fun,” Slocum said. “This event is a good combination of children, college students and the community working together.”
The rain location for the carnival is the Union Ballroom.