Fall Festival provides Halloween sanctuary Published Nov. 3, 2006 By 2nd Lt. Lauren Johnson 16 SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla -- Two ladybugs, a dragon and Tinkerbell walked into a church. No, it's not the beginning of a lame joke; it was the convergence of colorful characters at the annual Fall Festival on Tuesday night. The Hurlburt Field Chapel hosted the festival to provide games, goodies and a safe Halloween environment for local children. "It was Bible centered, every room had a theme," Chaplain (Maj.) Robert Collins explained. "Parents appreciate having a healthy alternative." Deborah Delerme, who attended the festival for the first time with her daughter, Sarah, agreed. "It's a wonderful alternative for those who don't celebrate Halloween," Mrs. Delerme said. "[Children] can participate in a Christian activity and not feel left out." Chaplain Collins was impressed by the cooperation of church members to put the festival together. "Different ministry organizations really came together to make this happen," he said. Youth Group volunteers led the activities, including a cakewalk, a beanbag toss and a treasure hunt, which were all intertwined with Christian messages and featured one traditional Halloween item that could not be left out: candy. The candy was collected from the church congregation over the last several weeks, until there was more than enough to satisfy the hungry, costumed children. After they worked up an appetite and gathered their dessert, the children joined their parents for a healthy dinner and a showing of the popular Christian cartoon, "Veggie Tales." "I think [the festival was] a big success," Youth Group leader Bernadine Grooms said. "It's good for the kids and parents."