UTICA - The Halloween Celebration held Saturday at Mohawk Valley Community College was a festive flashback to the old-time days of family fun gone by, assessed Gail Warchol of New Hartford.

"I think it's very sweet that they do this for the kids," Warchol said while watching granddaughter Joslin Yukna enjoying the party. "This is just what the kids need right now - a return to the traditional, safe Halloween fun. It's always a joy to see the children happy."

Kids in costume moved about two floors in the Wilcox Hall lobby, visiting various stations helmed by MVCC events staff members for Halloween fun including pumpkin painting, Halloween-themed games and plenty of cider and treats. They were even greeted by ghoulies on the stairs between floors, holding buckets of candy for some trick or treating along the way.

MVCC mascot Mo, a big green feathered bird in a sports jersey, also came out for photos with the guests.

Joslin admitted she just couldn't pick a favorite part of the event - simply saying "all of it" when asked for her preference.

Erica Carrock, MVCC's assistant director of events and guest services, said the first Halloween Celebration was in 2020 but held on a limited scale due to the pandemic. Last year they didn't have the celebration party at all. This year, however, they were back with no limitations at all.

"We are excited to have everybody back in full swing this time," Carrock said. "It's really fun to see all of the kids in their costumes and I just love seeing all of the families enjoying the time together. We love being able to open up MVCC with events for the community."

The Halloween Celebration was part of the Mohawk Valley Community College Cultural Series. Carrock said they are getting close to the end of the season now, but gearing up to come back with all-new entertainment in 2023.

The series is hosted by MVCC’s Cultural Events Council in collaboration with MVCC’s Program Board, with support from the Student Activity Fee. For the complete series lineup and tickets, visit www.mvcc.edu/culture.

The Halloween party was appreciated by both the children and their adult companions as well.

"This was just a great time and I am glad MVCC puts this on for the children," said Trish Rugari of Deerfield. "It gave them a safe place to go for some fun and it was really great to be able to get back out for a party."