Seasonal Change Greeted with Enthusiasm by Front Royal Community

There is no reason Halloween must be dark. A holiday marking a shift in the seasons, the day has been observed throughout history as a time when the barrier between physical and spiritual worlds is thin. Whatever one’s convictions may be, a positive reaction is always possible, and three examples of October 31 activity in Front Royal reveal that the powers of darkness have many formidable opponents in this community. From the partnership between HikeKidz Foundation and Debbie’s Lighthouse to a Happy Creek neighborhood with a big heart, a spirit of positive energy, and community initiatives, Halloween was made special for everyone these people impacted. Whether a pirate-themed dream come true for parents seeking an uplifting way for their children to spend the holiday, a surplus of free popcorn, cotton candy, and chocolate bars, or hot dogs, exceeding six hundred, given away, the spirit conjured was one of enthusiasm.

(Above) HikeKidz Foundation partners with Debbie’s Lighthouse to bring Halloween cheer to children with a pirate ship and (below) Shipwreck Beach, where children will dig for buried treasure. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh

For Aaron Hike of HikeKidz Foundation, the pirate-themed event held on October 31 at Happy Creek Antiques was an opportunity to “bring lightheartedness to a subject that is not lighthearted.” Although operating in different vectors, HikeKidz and nonprofit Debbie’s Lighthouse share a similar mission. A pirate adventure, which could make any day of the year interesting, was accessible through the HikeKidz pirate ship, as well as a “Shipwreck Beach” area where children could dig for treasure. Perhaps the genius of this event lies in making the day one like any other, except extraordinarily fun. Both Hike and Julie Vaught, who is the owner of Happy Creek Antiques and the daughter of the woman in whose memory the nonprofit is dedicated, spoke of the excitement this season brings as people come from near and far. That excitement reached a crescendo as many community sponsors, including but not limited to First Baptist Church and Salvation Army, came together to bring the pirate adventure to fruition.

As part of a Virginia Hills Church initiative, left to right, Todd Jones, Pattie McHugh, and Alyssa Derflinger prepare candy for “Light the Night,” for which Jones and his wife, Sharon, showed hospitality outside their home.

Known to many as “the Happy Creek neighborhood”, a spirit of generosity stretches between Goodview Drive and Meadow Lane. From their home on Goodview, Todd and Sharon Jones have been instrumental in every incarnation of a Christian-oriented response to Halloween for more than twenty years, serving free popcorn, cotton candy, and chocolate bars to trick-or-treaters under tents in their driveway. This yearly event has often been in connection with the place where they worship, currently Virginia Hills Church. Jones tends to agree that Halloween should not be celebrated for what it represents to the prevailing culture; however, he made the point that if someone knocked and Jesus answered the door, the savior would not turn that person away empty-handed because of how he is dressed. Meanwhile, from their home at the end of Meadow Lane, Teri and Keith Beckwith yearly give away approximately six hundred hot dogs, as well as water bottles and candy. Many trick-or-treaters come to them first since they know they can get a solid meal before continuing their journey.

From their home, Keith and Teri Beckwith prepared approximately six hundred ten hot dogs to give away to trick-or-treaters.