Twentynine Palms -- Combat Center patrons attended the annual Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee at Del Valle Field, Oct. 27, 2017.
The free event, which was hosted by Marine Corps Community Services, took place from 5 to 9 p.m. and featured activities such as bounce-houses, carnival acts, a scavenger hunt and food sold from outside vendors and units on base. Rachael Pennington, special events program manager, MCCS, planned and organized the Jubilee.
“We have it set up so that everyone can come in, and enjoy the festivities,” Pennington said.
During the event, activities such as the scavenger hunt brought the children to different stations which provided parents with an opportunity to speak to specialists who were geared toward educating families about the services the Combat Center has to offer.
“Since bringing in the families and talking to them about domestic violence awareness, we’ve seen an influx of people reporting domestic violence,” said Jason Dickson, behavioral health specialist, Family Advocacy Program. “These events are an opportunity to not only pass out candy but to pass out information.”
Additional activities included obstacles courses, airbrush tattoos, decorating pumpkins, a 30-foot lava slide, laser tag and human foos ball. Parents and children flowed into the event from beginning to end, some wore themed costumes such as the Incredible Family or the cast of the Wizard of Oz, others opted for more casual get-ups but everyone had a good time.
“It’s nice to see a safe, family oriented even on base,” Beth Allen said, the spouse of a service member and mother of five.
Whether stopping by for food sold by vendors, taking the children out for a safe yet exciting event, or learning more about the services offered on base, the annual Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee is the event that has it all.
“People remember this year after year,” Dickson said. “When an event of this magnitude provides fun and education while bringing in four to five thousand people in a four-hour period, it’s amazing.”
More Media