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Halloween outdoor family event to benefit Beebe Nov. 1

October 7, 2020

*”Boys and girls of every age, wouldn't you like to see something strange? Come to Hudson Fields and see, an event called ‘This is Halloween!” (*sung to the tune of “This is Halloween”)

The Revival House, Hudson Fields and Beebe Medical Foundation will host This is Halloween starting at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 1. This free outdoor movie event will benefit Beebe Healthcare in its ongoing efforts to help Sussex County during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Food, music, artists, vendors, and safely distanced fun and entertainment will mark the event, capped off by a double-feature screening of “A Nightmare Before Christmas” and the original 1978 classic “Halloween.”

This is Halloween will mirror the format used for this summer’s successful Jawsfest, in which groups were seated in pods in the field and following all CDC regulations throughout the event. “We were very enthused with the crowd at Jawsfest,” said Rob Waters, one of the organizers. “And because everyone was so responsible and we were able to raise money for Beebe, we wanted to do it again in time for our favorite holiday, Halloween.”

Featuring several food and beverage trucks, local vendors and live music, the event will also include a limited number of trick-or-treat bags for younger attendees along with various stations around the Hudson Fields grounds for them to collect treats.

“We realize that Halloween may be a little different this year with the pandemic, so we wanted to give kids and adults a chance to dress in their costumes,” said Revival House’s Rob Rector. “We are working with Hudson Fields to have a path along the perimeter of the event where kids can line up and receive treats in a safe manner.”

Local band Hope for Success will provide musical entertainment during the event. Even though members are seasoned veterans of local stages, many are not even old enough to drive. With about 70 outings since their formation, Hope for Success has plugged in and performed at the Freeman Stage, Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, Irish Eyes, Crooked Hammock, JD Shuckers, and other area venues.

Food and beverage trucks on hand for This is Halloween will include Street Kitchen, DaNizza Pizza, Sea Hogg, Kona Ice and, of course, popcorn vendors. Drinks will be served from Revelation Craft Brewing, Nassau Valley Vineyards, Brimming Horn Meadery and Beach Time Distilling.

A little after dusk, families can be seated in their pods to enjoy a screening of the animated classic “A Nightmare Before Christmas” on a 52-foot screen. After a short intermission, those brave enough to stick around can shiver through the quintessential film of the season, the 1978 John Carpenter classic “Halloween.”

“We wanted to try to have something that would appeal to a wide audience,” Waters said. “So we will have some time between the two films in which families can safely leave with their little ones, and then those who want to get their scare on can stay for the second feature.”

As with the Jawsfest event, all entrants are required to wear protective face covering while walking around the grounds and maintaining the CDC-mandated six-foot distance from one another. Only when groups are safely seated within their pods on the field will they be allowed to remove masks. “We are trying to help Beebe with this event, not give them more patients,” Rector said of the safety measures. “At our last event, everyone was exceptional in working with us, which is why we are doing it again.”

The Revival House is again working with Beebe to ensure that all organizers and vendors receive temperature checks prior to the event opening.

“Jawsfest was a great event that not only raised monies to support Beebe Healthcare, our local nonprofit community healthcare system, but raised everyone’s spirits,” said Thomas J. Protack, Beebe Medical Foundation president. “It was wonderful to be outside, socially spaced on Hudson Field, enjoying a festive night. I hope you will consider joining us for This is Halloween and making a freewill donation at the entrance.”

The event is free and open to the public, but donations will be accepted at the door with all proceeds going to Beebe Healthcare, whose workers are on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, go to revivalhousetheater.com.

Editor’s Note: The article has been updated to reflect the new date. Sunday, Oct. 25 was changed due to the inclement weather forecast.

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