Success Story: The 4-H 2023 Halloween Extravaganza 

The 4-H team was able to host its first Halloween Extravaganza at the Rosenwald Center for 4-H Youth Development. It was nothing short of a resounding success, leaving a significant mark on the community. This year, the 4-H team’s primary focus was to create a safe, fun-filled environment for youth in the community and surrounding areas, where everyone could come and enjoy the festivities while being exposed to enrichment and educational activities that brought awareness to Cooperative Extension programs. The event's achievements were a testament to the power of community collaboration and the dedication of our student volunteers. When it came to planning the event, safety was the utmost priority, and the Halloween Extravaganza lived up to its promise by providing a secure space for all participants. 

Seventy-nine participants pre-registered on Eventbrite prior to the event compared to more than 200 attendees. The growth of over 153% was attributed to many factors, such as an article from the State Journal, instrumental community partnerships, relationships with schools, and collaboration with Extension Staff. Many participants expressed that they liked how the Halloween Extravaganza was organized in the Rosenwald Center for 4-H Youth Development, as well as the Halloween themed activities.  Families and children also stated that they are looking forward to participating in future programs.  

The 4-H team collaborated with key stakeholders such as the King’s Center, Bridging the Gap, Just Grind Gear, and the University of Kentucky. Natalie Gwishiri took charge of recruiting Kentucky State University students and community members to help out with the Halloween Extravaganza. One of those student volunteers was Omari Fleming, Mr. KSU, who took leadership and invited more KSU students to attend the event. Omari stated,  
“Over the past few years, I have worked with 4-H numerous times, and it has always been a pleasure to be a part of the creative development of these kids.” In conversations with parents, many expressed that “the student volunteers were the heartbeat of the event and deserve special recognition.” The students’ dedication, enthusiasm, and tireless efforts were instrumental in bringing the vision to life. This was a big stride in bringing not only students to the event but offering them a service where they could acquire community service hours if needed. 

In addition to the thrilling Halloween activities, thanks is needed for Austin Brewer and Sam Moore (UK 4-H Extension staff) for ensuring that no one went hungry during the event with their delicious chili and popcorn. Special kudos is also needed for Deneen Petty from the King’s Center and Roni Robinson from the Bridging the Gap group.  These community partners work with youth in the community and the 4-H team. This collaboration has led to groups continuously bringing youth to the center monthly to do enrichment and educational activities in STEM and other related fields. 

Additionally, this event went beyond the traditional Halloween festivities. 4-H provided a range of enrichment activities that engaged and educated youth. From pumpkin chucking, to building a Frankenstein with code and other creative 4-H activities, the goal was aimed toward stimulating young minds and encouraging creativity. Another round of thanks goes out to Cooperative Extension staff who were able to bring awareness in their specialized field of study. MacKenzie Preece from UK showed an interactive VR experience on disaster education, Nat Colten provided an edible graveyard experience teaching youth about soil science, Chelsea Walling gave youth a deep-sea experience learning about fish anatomy, Kennedy Hannah taught about healthy nutrition through spooky smoothies, and Ian Ries had a unique dissection activity to examine the contents within owl pellets. These informative activities served as an eye-opener for many, leaving a lasting impression on our attendees. 

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the community and partners. The 4-H Youth Development team wants to extend our deepest gratitude to these organizations, staff and volunteers for their commitment to the betterment of our community. As we reflect on the 2023 Halloween Extravaganza, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude. It is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared goal of changing youths’ lives. Let this event’s success be a reminder of the potential we have to make a positive impact on our community. The 4-H team looks forward to building upon this success in the years to come and will continue to provide a safe, educational, and joyful experience for all. 

Thank you to our community partners, student volunteers, and everyone who joined us in this fantastic endeavor. 

Sincerely, 

Brian Walker 

4-H Youth Development