YMCA Dash in Disguise added to Booville events on Saturday, Oct. 25

The Booville 1-Mile Dash in Disguise, a fun run for individuals and families, has been added by the Plymouth YMCA to the roster of events for Saturday, Oct. 25.
This event is planned to bring families to downtown Belleville that morning for the Community Action Foundation-5 pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. under the big tent on the Fourth Street Square.
Karen Mida, CAF5 member, approached the YMCA about working together with CAF5 to bring more families to the downtown area for family events.
The Booville 1-Mile Dash in Disguise will take registrations on race day only from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. in the gazebo at Horizon Park on High Street in downtown Belleville. The run/walk will start at Horizon Park, follow a course on the sidewalk along Main Street to Second Street, crossing with the help of Reserve Police Officers, and then heading back and ending at the Booville tent on the 4th Street Square for the pancake breakfast.
Dash in Disguise participants will receive a discounted price on the pancake breakfast tickets: $5 per person, with those age 3 and under free. All proceeds will benefit the YMCA Annual Campaign which provides financial assistance to families in need.
“The YMCA is so excited about being part of the Booville events,” said Sage Hegdal, executive director of the Plymouth Family YMCA.
“Many people don’t realize that the Plymouth Family YMCA serves Belleville and Van Buren in addition to Plymouth, Canton, and Northville. We already offer our Adventure Guides program in the area, as well as Girls on the Run and STRIDE in the local schools.
“We are happy to be able to expand our services to the entire community,” she said. “Many families in Belleville and Van Buren have personally benefitted from our financial assistance program, so we are happy that proceeds from the event will go back to families here.”
Hegdal encouraged runners to wear their costume disguises for the event. There will be costume-based prizes for the best family costume, the most creative costume, and the most colorful costume. Also, the first 100 finishers will receive a prize at the finish line.
Because this was a last-minute addition, the Dash in Disguise event has yet to be approved by the Belleville City Council.
“Scaring up Some Fun”
Also on Oct. 25, after the pancake breakfast in the Booville tent, from noon to 4 p.m. there will be “Scaring up Some Fun” for youngsters, which includes games, crafts, a not-so-scary movie and face painting. Cost is $5 per family to enter the tent. There are charges for face painting (by Funifaces) and food (by A&W). All games with prizes are free, including pumpkin painting. This is put on by the Belleville Central Business Community.
“Booville After Dark”
Also on Oct. 25, “Booville after Dark” will feature adult scary movies on the big screen in the Booville tent from 6 to 11 p.m. at $10 per couple to enter the tent. This also is put on by the CBC. Refreshments are sold by Bayou Grill and there will be a raffle for two tickets for a Pistons game in the Belfor Suite and a 50/50 drawing.
Oct. 23, Library author talk
A Booville event at the Belleville Area District Library will be from 7 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23, and feature author Kristy Robinette speaking on “Michigan Haunted Legends and Lore,” plus “Ghosts of Southeast Michigan.” This event is free.
Oct. 23, 24, 25, Library Tours
The Belleville Area District Library will offer paranormal tours, “The Big Reveal,” from 7 to 10 p.m., with tours every 15 minutes, at a charge, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Oct. 23-25.
Oct. 24, Masquerade Dance
The Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Monster Mash Masquerade Dance from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, with prizes for best mask. This will be under the big tent on the Fourth Street Square and refreshments will be available from Egan’s Pub.
Oct. 26, Black Magic Ball
The Belleville Community Chorus and Blue Steel Jazz Band will present the Black Magic Ball from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, with a vintage big band.
This also will be in the big Booville tent at the Fourth Street Square and refreshments will be by Egan’s Pub and The Lunch Box restaurant.
Halloween Decorating Contest
Judging will take place Oct. 24-26 in the Booville Halloween Decorating contest for families/individuals and businesses within the 48111 zip code – including the communities of Belleville, Van Buren Township, and Sumpter Township.
This contest is being put on by the Belleville Area Council for the Arts and registration is free, but contest entry forms must be submitted by Oct. 22. One business and one residence will be chosen in each of the three communities.
The winners will receive a framed certificate of recognition to be presented at the next scheduled board or council meeting.
Scarecrow contest
Forty scarecrows are tied to lampposts along Belleville’s Main Street. This is an annual event, but this year is being touted as part of the Booville celebration.
Trick or Treat in downtown, Oct. 31
On Friday, Oct. 31, the annual Trick or Treat to businesses on Main Street and the Halloween Costume Contest takes place from 5 to 7 p.m., based around the Fourth Street Square.
This is a free event put on by the downtown merchants, the city of Belleville and the CBC.
This is the final event in the month of October and Booville is over.