Ghosts, ghouls on tap for Halloween activities Published Oct. 26, 2009 By Monica Mendoza 21st Space Wing Public Affair Staff Writer PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Groovy ghoulies, scary creatures and masked superheroes will be knocking on Peterson's housing doors from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 31, as part of this year's Halloween weekend events. The 21st Space Wing Safety Office encourages children to wear costumes that are bright and reflective. Parents should consider adding reflective tape of stripes on costumes and bags. Children should only go to homes with a porch light on and should never enter a home. To help ensure safety, Peterson's 21st Security Forces Squadron will be on patrol for Operation Pumpkin Patrol to keep trick-or-treaters safe during the evening's house-to-house rounds. Children who love to dress up in Halloween costumes can head over to the Peterson Fire Station from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 29, where firefighters host their annual costume contest and party. There also will be a bouncy castle, games and a haunted house. "We started this party seven years ago," said Tech. Sgt. Jason Linta, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron fire inspector. "We didn't want the kids to have to go out trick-or-treating in the cold." Last year, more than 450 children attended the party. This year, McGruff the Crime Dog will be there to greet children and base exchange officials will award gift cards for the best costumes. Details of the haunted house portion of the party, however, are under wraps. But, visitors should be prepared to be scared, Sergeant Linta said. "We've had adults cry in our haunted house it's so scary," he said. If you are looking for more fright night, the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station is taking visitors through a wooded haunted trail with 50 creepy zombies and other creatures that will make even the avid haunted house fan scream. The trail, so scary, is rated PG-10 by organizers. "Parents are asked to use discretion, said Mr. Josh Sexton, 721st Mission Support Group firefighter and one of the event organizers. "We recommend children be 10 years old and up." The haunted woods trail includes 13 skits featuring Halloween favorites, Freddy Krueger and Jason from the Friday the 13th series, "and some other scary surprises," Mr. Sexton said. For youngsters and scaredy cats, there will also be a party room, hosted by the CMAFS Top 5, with candy, games and face painting. If you go: ▄ Peterson Fire Department Halloween Party is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the fire station, Building 218. There will be a bouncy house, games, a costume contest and a haunted house. For information, call Tech. Sgt. Jason Linta at 556-7354. ▄ Cheyenne Mountain Haunted Trail and Party is from 7 to 11:30 p.m. Oct. 29 and 30. Admission is $5 for Department of Defense ID holders and $8 for others. Visitors are encouraged to wear warm clothing. The outdoor haunted trail is recommended for children age 10 and older. Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station is on Highway 115, north of U.S. 85/87. Take the NORAD Road exit up the hill and follow the signs. For details call Josh Sexton, 719-474-3030. ▄ Peterson base housing trick-or-treat hours are 5:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 31. It is recommended that children wear bright and reflective costumes that are short enough to prevent tripping. For more safety tips, go to www.aap.org. ▄ Pumpkin Patrol needs you. The 21st Security Forces Squadron needs volunteers of any rank or squadron for Pumpkin Patrol. Volunteers will be paired with SF members to patrol the Peterson housing area while children trick-or-treat. There will be a briefing at 4:45 p.m. Oct. 31, at the 21st SFS building, Building 1376. To volunteer, call Tech. Sgt. Jeremee Alexander or Senior Airman Jesse Armstrong at 556-7532 or 556-3484.