On Sunday, October 28th, the YWCA Santa Monica/Westside will host its first annual Westside Halloween Kids Karnival.

The event is specially designed for families with young children (toddler to kindergartener) and will include face-painting, balloon animals, an obstacle course, pumpkin patch, costume parade, and healthy treats for kids; as well as a lounge with free Starbucks coffee, massages, and a raffle for parents. It’s a public event, and Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at www.smywca.org.

“What makes this event special, is that we are providing families with a safe place to celebrate Halloween, where kids can run around, get creative with crafts, and snack on delicious, healthy alternatives to candy; while parents can relax and enjoy themselves as well,” says Julie Miele, Executive Director of the YWCA Santa Monica/Westside.

In addition to attracting YWCA members and program participants and organizers hope it will draw families from the community who want to celebrate Halloween in a healthy, creative environment.

“We are so excited to offer this event to families on the Westside (and beyond!),” Miele said, “because this is an opportunity to bring our community together for a fun event that also has a great cause. Kids—and their parents—will love it.”

WHAT: $5 Halloween Kids Karnival to support YWCA Santa Monica/Westside’s nonprofit programming. Event includes face-painting, balloon animals, raffle, parents’ lounge, and more. No reservation required. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at www.smywca.org.

WHEN: Sunday, October 28th, 2012 3:00 – 5:30pm

WHERE: YWCA Santa Monica/Westside Gymansium, 2019 Fourteenth St, Santa Monica

About YWCA Santa Monica/Westside The YWCA Santa Monica/Westside has been serving the greater Westside community since 1926. Our social service and community support programs improve the lives of nearly 2,500 women and children annually. Our Programs – including early childhood development; K-12 life skills, literacy and athletics; transitional housing and education; young adult networking and career-building; parent support; and personal and professional renewal – instill confidence, capability and effectiveness in women and girls across the life cycle within a supportive, encouraging environment. Our Mission is to empower women and girls by creating opportunities for growth, progress, and success. For more information, visit us at www.smywca.org, and follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/smywca) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/SMYWCA).