Council chooses bulk candy and Civic Center layout for Oct. 11 Boobash; volunteers to decorate

Council and parks-and-recreation staff confirmed plans for this year’s “Boobash” community Halloween event: it will be held Oct. 11 at the Civic Center from 5 to 9 p.m., use a haunted-mansion theme in the commons and outside, and include inflatables, themed stations, crafts and movies.

Staff explained prior problems with large custom-wrapped chocolate bars (shipping damage and chocolate bloom) and recommended returning to bulk small candy or pre-packed treat bags. Karen (event staff) and several council members favored bulk candy in a bowl with staff or volunteers handing out portions rather than leaving an unattended candy table. Council also agreed to have staff and volunteers decorate on Friday before the Saturday event; parks and rec supervisors reported multiple food trucks and about 11 companies committed so far to the trick-or-treat line.

Organizers said some items are excluded from Dayton’s bulk-pickup rules (items longer than 4 feet or appliances with refrigerant) so event volunteers may need to handle unusual donations; staff committed to continue outreach to vendors and finalize flows and entry/exit points at the Civic Center. No formal vote was required; staff will proceed with ordering bulk candy (Sam’s Club/Costco bulk bags were suggested) and finalize decorations and vendor commitments.

Ending: Staff will order bulk candy and coordinate decoration and volunteer assignments; attendees can expect a haunted-mansion theme, inflatables, food trucks and trick-or-treat stations at the Civic Center on Oct. 11 from 5–9 p.m.