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Elk Mills Poga Volunteer Fire Department will continue their annual Halloween Bash this year.
Tiffany Mathews, secretary to the fire department, said the decision to have the event this year was debated. 
“We were on the fence this year about whether or not we wanted to do it because of COVID-19, but the way we have this set up, even in past years, is pretty socially distanced,” she explained. 
During the event, people in the community are asked to come and give out candy. The fire station provides tables for people to set up their booths. People in the community provide the candy for kids. 
In addition to candy, the fire department usually tries to provide kids with a meal, such as hotdogs, chips and a drink, as well. 
Mathews said that this year especially, the event will be focusing on a walk-thru style to get candy and food. 
While the event is already socially distanced by design, other safety measures will also be in place to keep everyone safe. Those who wish to wear masks are encouraged to do so. 
According to Mathews, the ultimate goal with continuing the Halloween Bash this year is to give a sense of normalcy back to the kids. 
“Every year, it is all about making Halloween safe,” she explained. “In these communities that are further out like Elk Mills and Butler, your houses are further apart and a lot of people aren’t familiar with their neighbors, unfortunately. But, if we pull the community into a safe spot, this makes it safer for the kids. This year in particular, kids have already had so much taken away from them, and we just want to bring some sort of normalcy back.”
Before making the decision to host the annual event, which has been around for about four years now, the station took to Facebook to ask the public their thoughts on the situation. Mathews said the overall response was everyone being open to the idea of having the Halloween Bash. 
While donations are accepted every year, Mathews said what is needed most this year is people willing to come give out candy to the kids. 
In addition to donations and candy volunteers, donations to the fire station are also always welcome. The station is currently in the midst of getting new turnout gear for all the members.
For more information on the Halloween Bash or donation inquiries, contact the fire station on Facebook or call 423-768-3236. The station is located at 107 Poga Road, Butler.