by Lorie Lewis Ham
ImagineU Children’s Museum in Visalia is presenting kids with another fun and safe Halloween alternative this year, Village Halloween. We recently spoke with their Executive Director Katy Young about the event, which is taking place on October 31.
KRL: For those who don’t know who you are can you briefly explain what ImagineU is?
Katy: ImagineU strives to inspire our community to value imagination and play as tools for education and life. We believe every child has an imagination and can learn through play. Play can be collaborative, creative, and independent. Playing is distinctly educational and an integral part of childhood, impacting that child’s life for years beyond childhood. ImagineU encourages imagination but, allows the child to “complete the picture” with open-ended, hands-on activities. We strive to provide a safe place for children to play. We love seeing children learn, play, and have fun! Children are our future – we invest in them today to create a better community tomorrow. Come play with us! 
KRL: What is Village Halloween?
Katy: Village Halloween at ImagineU is a free and fun community event. Our goal is to provide a safe alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating. Parents and children of all ages are encouraged to wear costumes and bring trick-or-treat bags for FREE trick-or-treating at ImagineU. The museum will transform into a village with decorated doors designed for our littlest guest. Each door is decorated by members of our local community that want to make sure that every kid has a safe and fun Halloween. This event requires a lot of candy! Candy donations are always welcome and can be dropped off at the museum during business hours. 
KRL: Have you done this event before?
Katy: Yes, this is the 7th year. In years past, we have had over 1800 people come through our doors.
KRL: I understand it has been moved outside due to Covid, what will you have to change to make that work?
Katy: Moving this event outside is a huge benefit for us in many ways outside of Covid. Having it outside allows us more space to spread out and will allow us to have some fun vendors that always add to the excitement of the event and gives us a more public exposure as people are walking/driving by. Plus, having it outdoors now means that we will not have to close the museum down and families can come inside the museum and enjoy playing!
Past Village Halloween
KRL: What sort of preparation goes into this event?
Katy: It takes a village. Setting up the doors and setting the stage requires all the help we can get from our staff and volunteers.
KRL: Where will this take place, what day and time?
Katy: Sunday, October 31 from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. at 210 N. Tipton Street. Rain or Shine.
KRL: Do people have to sign up?
Katy: No, just show up! It’s a free community event.
KRL: What ages can come?
Katy: All ages are welcome.
KRL: Can people volunteer to help or donate anything for the event?
Katy: YES! We are always in need of candy and are currently running a candy drive. There are also, door sponsorship opportunities available if you would like to come and pass out candy, decorate a door it’s a great way to give back to the community and give your business/family some exposure at the same time. You can access that information from our website at www.imagineumuseum.org/villagehalloween
KRL: Are there any costume restrictions or any other Covid restrictions?
Katy: We just ask that everyone remember this is a kid-centered event that means to give the littlest guests a FUN and safe experience. Scary costumes are not always enjoyable for our littlest guest.
Check out more local entertainment articles, including Halloween related ones, in our Arts & Entertainment section.
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