A Halloween Family Bingo, featuring games, food and a costume contest for people of all ages, will be presented by Our Lady of Consolation (OLC) Church on Saturday, Oct. 19, at the OLC Schneider Parish Center. Doors will open at 5 p.m.; bingo will start at 6 p.m.

The event will feature multiple bingo games, including games specifically for children with prizes just for them. "It will be gift cards and little toys the kids may like. It will be a variety of prizes," said Janice Dagney, OLC director of religious education.

There will be no additional entry fee to participate in the costume contest, and prizes will be awarded to winners in each of the following categories: age 7 and under, ages 8 to 12 and age 13 and over. There will also be a special category recognizing the family with the best themed costumes. Gift cards will be awarded to the winners.

Participants will be able to show off their costumes during a special parade held inside the building. "We will do a little parade around the parish center by age group," noted Dagney.

Families may preorder whole large cheese pizzas to enjoy or purchase pizza by the slice at the event. Also for sale will be hot dogs, chips and soft pretzels. There will also be a sale of baked goods homemade by church members.

Money raised from the event will support the church's vacation Bible school (VBS), which is offered each summer for area youths from preschool age to those who have completed fifth grade. "We had about 85 to 90 kids (attend this past summer). It was one of our biggest years since the pandemic," noted Dagney.

The Schneider Parish Center is located at 2995 Cemetery Road, Parkesburg. Tickets purchased in advance by Friday, Oct. 18, will be discounted.

A link to preorder bingo tickets and pizza can be found by visiting http://www.facebook.com/olcchurch and choosing "Events." Tickets will also be available at the door. Only cash and checks will be accepted for payment. The event is geared towards families with children age 12 and under, but all are welcome.

Those with questions may contact Dagney at 610-857-0511 or dagney@gmail.com. More information about the Halloween Family Bingo and other upcoming church events can be found at http://www.olcchurch.org.