Submitted by Roy Reiman

The sillier, the better… you could win the Costume Contest at the Netawaka Family & Fitness Center’s annual Halloween Party to be held 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24.

It’s free and open to the public. It’ll feature much more than just scary costumes: decorated pumpkin contest, free swim night, bounce house for the kids and a chili feed.

“We have a number of members-only events for 700-plus members,” said Director Scott Steffes. “But we open this Halloween party to the public because it offers a nice opportunity for children in the area to have a fun, safe, celebration.

“Our facility is fast becoming the ‘Community Gathering Place.’ This event allows us to show we’re proud of that role. It also allows potential members to see what we offer here.”

Steffes noted there has been an increase in visits to the Center since the new “Dollar a Day” special membership offer was recently announced. That offer is good between now and Thanksgiving.

“This Halloween party will give people a chance to see the inside of this 30,000 square foot non-profit facility, which includes an 8,000 square foot heated pool, full-size basketball court, top-of-the-line fitness equipment, indoor walking lanes and more,” he said.

“Visitors in the past couple of weeks have been pretty amazed at what they can enjoy regularly as a member at our ‘Dollar a Day’ fee.  We’re drawing new members from over 40 miles and growing fast.”

That includes Joe and Janet Summers of Fairview.

“This Center gives us some place to go and something to do,” Janet Summers said. “It’s well worth the drive. We’ve made a lot of new friends here.”

The membership records show a particular rise in the number of retirees. Martha Coder of Effingham is one of them.

“We love the interaction with other members, including playing cards. For my husband and me, this place has added a lot to our lives.”

This evening the Center will be good for laughs, too. It’s a chance to put on your worst clothes, meet friendly people and enjoy a good bowl of chili.