WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Team Whiteman’s annual Boo Bash will take place Oct. 30, from 5-7 p.m., outside of the Whiteman Youth Center.
Although this year’s event may look a little different, event planners say there will be no shortage of fun for all patrons.
“The event will be a condensed version of what Team Whiteman is used to during a typical Boo Bash,” said Josh Bailey, the 509th Force Support Squadron community cohesion coordinator. “This will be one of the most unique Boo Bash events Team Whiteman has seen, but it’s important to give Airmen and their families the opportunity to have as much fun as possible while still saying safe.”
This year’s event will still include the Halloween celebration staples that Team Whiteman has come to expect at the base Boo Bash.
“The USO will be on hand providing hotdogs, chips, and drinks for free to all participants,” Bailey said. “Candy, small toys and prizes will be given away at each station. Along with that, we assume most children will have their own bags and buckets for candy, but we will have extras on hand just in case they did not get a chance to bring them.”
Although costumes are not a requirement to participate, Bailey said all patrons are invited and encouraged to be festive and wear Halloween costumes. Trick-or-treating will take place in base housing after Boo Bash, rounding out the night of festivities.
According to Bailey, event coordinators worked hand-in-hand with Public Health specialists throughout the planning process to ensure they followed strict COVID safety guidelines. For example, a sign-in sheet will allow Public Health to conduct contact tracing, if necessary, after the event. Participants are required to wear masks and tables and activities will be spaced out to ensure social distancing.
“We have asked that if there are tables set up, that seating is limited to no more than 6 to 10 people per table,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Tanviben Patel, 509th Medical Group Public Health officer-in-charge. “We also ask that while attendees are not eating, they wear a mask and if there are games and activities, they need to be limited to 10 participants at a time and there should be markers to show 6 feet distance spacing.”
Patel said that collaboration with the Public Health team during event planning ensures project officers have the latest information on coronavirus prevention from the Air Force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We can provide recommendations to ensure public safety for not only COVID mitigations but for the upcoming cold and flu season,” Patel said. “We try to make sure to accomplish the mission safely while protecting Airmen, families and other members of our base. We push out the latest guidelines in a timely manner as they are updated and help come up with mitigation plans for unique situations as they occur.”
Bailey said it’s important to continue to host these types of events while keeping safety precautions in mind.
“It has been a rough year for Team Whiteman, and the surrounding community, and morale is extremely important now and as we move into the holiday season,” Bailey said. “With safety at the forefront, we are working to provide as many morale opportunities for Team Whiteman as we can, while we deal with the new normal of living with the presence of COVID.”
For more information on the Boo Bash, call 660-687-5754 or visit the Whiteman AFB Force Support Squadron Marketing Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/3395258487365262