Spooktacular Halloween, Trunk and Treat

The Teens Against Destructive Decisions (TADD) student group at North Beach Junior/Senior High sponsored a trick or treat alternative event for area youngsters Saturday in the NBHS parking lot.

Group members, families and friends decorated a dozen or so vehicles, donned costumes and dispensed treats.

“Great turnout!” TADD advisor Jodi Brown, dressed as a witch, excitedly exclaimed. “I can hardly wait for next year. I’ve already got some ideas!” Brown is a secretary, coach and more at NBHS. She founded TADD in 2001 as a group similar to Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) but with the broader focus on a variety of “destructive decisions” including use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, bullying and more.

Brown said that TADD, which averages 20 or more members each year from the four high school grades, “has become a stepping stone for peer-to-peer role modeling for our students; it reinforces their commitment to prevention of destructive decisions throughout our community.”

In addition to the TADD new event, hundreds of North Beach and Ocean Shores children gathered Dec. 31 at the Ocean Shores Convention Center for the annual “Spooktacular” sponsored by the Ocean Shores Firefighters Association. A number of local businesses and organizations had booths with candy, popcorn and sodas for all. The costume contest was a huge hit, and the stage was nearly full with contestants for some of the age groups.

Angelo Bruscas/North Coast News: The costume contest is a popular part of the Spooktacular event at the Ocean Shores Convention Center. Angelo Bruscas/North Coast News: The costume contest is a popular part of the Spooktacular event at the Ocean Shores Convention Center.

Angelo Bruscas/North Coast News: The IGA hosted a spooky booth for the Spooktacular at the Ocean Shores Convention Center on Monday night.

Angelo Bruscas/North Coast News: The costume contest is a popular part of the Spooktacular event at the Ocean Shores Convention Center.

Scott D. Johnston photo: North Beach sophomore Taylor Eang, this year’s co-president of Teens Against Destructive Decisions (TADD), offers Halloween candy at the North Coast’s first-ever “Trunk or Treat” event.

Scott D. Johnston photo: TADD advisor Jodi Brown, dressed as a witch, passes out candy during the Trunk or Treat event Saturday. Scott Johnston photo: TADD advisor Jodi Brown, dressed as a witch, passes out candy during the Trunk or Treat event Saturday.