Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
There was little Howling, but a Lot of Hope at last night’s Halloween event downtown.
By the time the Cancer Association of Anderson’s sixth annual “Howlin’ for Hope” began winding down Thursday night, the evening had accommodated dance parties, a howling contest and a group of costumed guests who had arrived as the whole Mario family (who won the group costume competition.) The witching Sanderson sisters were also in attendance .
There was plenty of holiday candy, too.
The free public event brought together children, families, vendors and sponsors for a Halloween gathering with a purpose beyond filling treat bags. Angie Stringer, the executive director of the Cancer Association of Anderson said the support of participating businesses and sponsors would help local cancer patients.
“We’ve had kids, we’ve had candy, we’ve had dance parties,” she said. “And what a fun night it’s been.”
The evening had originally been intended for the association’s own parking lot, outside its new building. But delays in paving required organizers to find somewhere else to gather.
But the new building’s opening, Stringer said, was close.
“We are waiting any minute.”
In the meantime, Howlin’ for Hope needed a place to happen and Peoples Bank SC supplied it.
Stringer described a costume contest that ranged from beautiful to frightening to simply fun. The Mario group took its category, while the howling contest supplied another opportunity for participants to be even more conspicuous.
There were food vendors, treats and enough activity for Stringer declare the evening as a succession of things that had gone well.
The reason for assembling it all remained straightforward. Sponsors and vendors were contributing to an event that supported cancer patients in the Anderson community, while families could attend without paying admission.
For one night, that support took the form of a Halloween party in a borrowed parking lot with children collecting candy, people dancing, costumed groups competing and a director pleased that the change of venue had worked out.
Stringer had thanks to offer and a vision of a new building she hoped would soon be ready.
But there will be other occasions to discuss the building and the association’s work. For the moment, there was still time for a little Halloween.
