Locals Can Use the Force at Halloween Party

By Brian Shaw  |  brian.shaw @mycityjournals.com

What’s better than a Halloween party, you might ask? How about a Halloween party with a Star Wars theme? That’s what city organizers intend to do for South Salt Lake residents Friday, Oct. 21 at the Columbus Center. 

Sure, there will be the usual Halloween treats and candy being handed out. And event organizers will also be handing out about 600-700 free pumpkins. 

The early Halloween Spooktacular event also allows area residents the opportunity to get their jack-o-lanterns made in plenty of time, said Myrna Clark, Recreation Deputy Director for the city of South Salt Lake. 

The cool part about these jack-o-lanterns, said Clark, is that attendees will have Star Wars-themed decorations at their disposal to transform their orange pumpkins into versions of the Death Star, R2D2 or make them into even some of the newer Star Wars characters or spacecraft. 

The Star Wars franchise’s cultural impact is wide-ranging, reaching beyond all socioeconomic strata and race and class differences. Going strong for more than 40 years, George Lucas’ epic space adventure seemingly reinvents itself as time goes on, providing a bridge between generations. 

Clark expects that not only will kids participate in making these Star Wars-themed jack-o-lanterns, their parents will jump in and create masterpieces as well. That’s what’s happened in years past and Clark doesn’t expect it to change this year. 

New to the event—and also Star Wars-themed—will be a Lightsaber Hall in which kids and adults alike can joust with glowing sticks. 

If the kids and overgrown kids wish to paint their faces like any of the Star Wars characters—or just look like a ghoul or werewolf—they’ll also be more than welcome to do so, added Clark. So bring your best Luke Skywalker or R2D2 imitation on over to the Columbus Center. 

Every year, she says the “Halloween spooktacular” tries to do something a little different and special for city residents, allowing everyone the creative license to let their imaginations run wild during a time when such a thing is not only normal—it’s recommended. 

“It should be a fun night for everyone. Our haunted house is being run by the Highland High volleyball team and our Youth City Council,” said Clark, who added that the Halloween spectacular will also feature a “Monster Mash”-themed state-of-the-art performance from Highland’s dance company. 

In addition to the new Star Wars-themed event attractions, there will be live entertainment and food for purchase—not to mention events like bingo and pictures available for a small fee. 

Admission to the event is only $2, or $1 if you bring one can of non-perishable food. For more, contact Myrna at 801-483-6076 or email her at [email protected].