ENGLEWOOD — LaTanya & The Youth of Englewood will host its third annual Halloween party Saturday at Ogden Park.
"Wicked Affair" is this year's theme. The free party is open to the community, but geared toward children up to age 12. It'll take place from 1-4 p.m. indoors at the park, 6500 S. Racine Ave. It will feature food, games, raffles, music and prizes.
"My theory on having the party is that it’s a safe space for children to come out, and parents don't have to worry about them knocking on doors," group founder LaTanya Johnson said. "To see the smiles on their faces is what really does it for me."
LaTanya & The Youth of Englewood's Halloween party is Saturday. [Provided]
Johnson said that she can still use donations of candy. The organization also started a GoFundMe account in January to raise $15,000 for its after-school program. The funding will help buy a larger vehicle to get the children around. It'll go toward healthy snacks and help extend the program from 4-6 p.m. to 4-8 pm.
Other parties being hosted on the South Side this Halloween include the Gary Comer Youth Center's Halloween Festival from 1-5 p.m. Saturday at 7200 S. Ingleside Ave. There will be a haunted house that the children helped build. Tickets are $2 for kids and $3 for adults.
"Youth center students have been working tirelessly to prepare an extravagant and legendary haunted house for their community," organizers said. "Art programs have been all hands on deck creating creepy creatures and frightening faces to spook the guests."
Access to the festival is free. There will be games, prizes and candy. The afternoon will also feature a costume parade, straw maze and live performances.
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 415 W. Englewood Ave., is hosting a party Tuesday from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
