Once again, Wesley Chapel showed their immense community spirit with Dogwood’s annual Fall Bash on Saturday, October 28th.

Co-sponsored by Southbrook Church, who so graciously allows The Village to access their parking lot for all of its Dogwood events, the Fall Bash was yet another smash-hit again this year.

The traditional offering of a bounce house, endless trick-or-treat games, facing painting, and all the popcorn one can enjoy were accompanied this year by a new train ride and tug-o-war contests. All of these activities are provided free of charge to residents by Southbrook’s outstanding congregation.

Costumed festival goers were delighted by the usual smattering of delicious foods- from fresh spiraled deep fried potatoes to Italian ice in many flavors. Fair eats do not disappoint.

The amphitheater that overlooks the beautiful pond that is the center of Dogwood Park became a stage for the annual costume contests. This years’ competition categories were not limited to two-legged contestants as our canine friends also had an opportunity to show off their Halloween spirit. A fitting choice for a park that boasts the area’s only public dog park!

The cheery little choo-choo train that toured guests in a loop around the lake was a focal point for many of the children. The bright cars rolled slowly along the paved pathway, hauling sparkling-eyed riders behind a cartoonish little engine.

Local vendors had a few booths sprinkled around the park, selling fall products such as raw honey and pumpkins.

Wells Fargo sponsored a tent where guests could stop by for a complimentary conversation about financial products ranging from mortgages to investment options. This offered a convenient way to check off one’s to-do list while the family enjoyed the festivities.

Southbrook always does an exceptional job at providing an array of not-so-spooky, spooky games for little ones to enjoy. A favorite is the fish pond and toilet paper bowling. Little buckets soon clanked with the weight of the candy prizes earned from attempting the challenges.

One of the most entertaining events to view this year was the massive tug-o-war game. Each round ended differently, but often the crew on one end of the rope finished on the ground, pulled over by the winning lineup on the opposite end.

The day boasted beautiful weather, and the changing leaves of the park, surrounding the shimmering pond, with its central fountain, provided the perfect atmosphere for the Fall Bash. Held from 1-4 p.m., the Wesley Chapel celebration worked perfectly with neighboring Waxhaw as residents were able to continue the fun at Fright Night in downtown.

One might say that Halloween weekend in Tri W area was “frightfully successful.”