More than 1,000 kids and their families attended the 15th annual Halloween Safe Day celebration at the Theodore Gibson Park football field, 401 NW 12 St. in Overtown, one of South Florida’s largest Halloween gatherings.
Billed as a “safe and fun alternative to neighborhood trick or treating” the event — begun by Pastor Willie L. Williams Sr. of the Greater Mercy Missionary Baptist Church — featured a variety of food, games, music and rides, as well as appearances of team mascots Burnie of the Miami Heat and the University of Miami’s Sebastian.
“This was our most successful Safe Day,” said Williams, who began the event in the back yard of his church 15 years ago. “We added new rides and attractions, including a video truck that was a smash with the older kids.”
The Safe Day event, which has grown to become among the area’s most popular Halloween happenings, is co-sponsored/supported by City of Miami Commissioner Keon Hardemon, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, Simkins Family Foundation, Overtown Youth Center, Florida Baptist Association, International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA 1416), City of Miami Police Department, City of Miami Net Office, Hot 105, AFSCME Florida Council 79 and the Biscayne Bay Kiwanis Club, one of South Florida’s most active community service organizations.
“This was just a great event, and we were proud to be part of it because it benefits the kids of Overtown, one of our main service areas,” said Biscayne Bay Kiwanis Board member Carlos Fuentes. ”We’re going to work with Pastor Williams to involve other community-oriented groups and corporations in Halloween Safe Day.”
For more information on future Halloween Safe Day sponsorships and participation, contact Williams at 305-401-5786 or Williams5175@bellsouth.net.
