A warm fire, enticing lights and energizing music was the atmosphere of an alternative Halloween party Saturday night.
The echoes of Court Street were heard as the students entered the Valor Leadership House for the alternative Halloween party, which was hosted by Athletes in Action and Campus Crusade for Christ — two organizations focused on religious beliefs.
Students were able to be at a peaceful state of mind because they knew that the area was substance-free, but still fun and safe, said Campbell Bailey, a sophomore studying criminology and sociology.
“I wanted to be at a party without drinking,” said Abe Akucewich, a freshman studying accounting.
Ian Klein, the student who organized the event, did so for students who wanted a safe place to have fun during the Athens Halloween Block Party but not feel the pressure usually associated with an Athens Halloween.
There were also games, food, prizes and a costume contest, Klein said.
“These are all my friends,” said Marissa David, a sophomore studying biology. “This is a safe Halloween party to come to.”
It was the third annual event, but this year was the first it was open to the public.
The previous two years, the party has been semi-private. Each year the party usually has 50 to 60 students stop by, but opening it up led organizers to assume that up to 100 students might come.
The members of the house all banded together in order to decorate and set up for the event within a day. There was not much planning involved because the house has others parties as well, Bailey said.
“We really like Halloween,” Klein said. “People are really creative and we want to give them a sage alternative to the normal experience (in Athens).”
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