A Halloween Family Bingo will be hosted by Our Lady of Consolation (OLC) Church on Saturday, Oct. 21, 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 just for children with prizes such as gift cards and small games and toys. There will also be costume contests for people of all ages.

"It's a nice family fun night out. People are always looking for something inexpensive to do with their families," 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 two winners in each of the following categories: age 2 and under, ages 3 to 8, ages 9 to 17 and adults. There will also be a special category recognizing the family with the best themed costumes.

Participants will be able to show off their costumes during a special parade. "Each group gets to parade two times around the parish center," noted Dagney.

Families may preorder whole large cheese pizzas to enjoy or purchase pizza by the slice at the event, as well as other refreshments, including hot dogs, chips and 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 keep (VBS) free for the community," Dagney said. "We had about 75 attend (last year). This was our biggest year since (the pandemic)."

The Schneider Parish Center is located at 2995 Cemetery Road, Parkesburg. To purchase pizza or discounted bingo tickets, contact Amanda Lancaster at 484-798-3282 or mandii246@yahoo.com by Friday, Oct. 20. Tickets will also be available at the door.

More information is available at http://www.facebook.com/olcchurch by choosing "Events."