Summerween, a one-of-a-kind community celebration, has officially received the Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA) Innovative Program Award and we couldn’t be more thrilled. This recognition celebrates creative, impactful programs that strengthen community connections. Summerween did exactly that by blending Halloween fun with a bright summer twist.
Activity Center Manager Joann Miller planned the summer event and accepted the award during the KRPA Annual Conference in Manhattan.
What Is Summerween?
Summerween brings the spooky magic of Halloween into the sunshine of summer. Inspired by the Disney Channel series Gravity Falls, which celebrates Halloween twice a year, the event reimagines traditional fall décor in playful, colorful ways.
Instead of waiting until October, Halloween came alive early. Brightly painted skeletons decorated a lemonade stand. Ghosts and Frankenstein cutouts dotted the grounds. Windsocks swayed in the trees, and cheerful “ghosts” fluttered overhead. Even jack-o’-lanterns got a summer makeover transformed into watermelons and paired with pineapple beach balls, all set to festive Halloween music. The result was a joyful blend of spooky and sunny that felt fresh, fun, and unforgettable.
Event Highlights That Made It Spooktacular
Summerween was packed with interactive moments for all ages:
- Foam Party Fun: A firetruck decked out with skeletons and Halloween banners sprayed foam from its boom ladder, creating a high-energy centerpiece for the event.
- Hands-On Play: Kids took turns spraying “monsters” with a fire hose while families tossed watermelon jack-o’-lantern beach balls through the foam.
- Community Treats: Local partner Hy-Vee generously donated fresh watermelon, served alongside “ghoulish-ade” lemonade.
- Take-Home Smiles: As families left, each received a ghostly SWAG bag filled with fun surprises, including pool passes, glow cubes, tattoos, candy, and cups.
Who Summerween Is For and Why It Matters
We designed Summerween for families with kids of all ages, especially those who love Halloween and imaginative events.
The goal was simple yet powerful: foster community connection through an innovative, family-friendly celebration. By repurposing traditional Halloween elements in a summer setting, Summerween delivered a high-impact, low-cost experience. It also highlighted staff creativity, smart resource use, and a commitment to building strong community ties.
Community Response: Sold Out and Smiling
The event sold out in less than two weeks, showing strong demand for the concept. In addition, attendees raved about the bright colors and playful atmosphere. As a result, families loved celebrating a favorite holiday in a fun and unexpected way. Many families even arrived wearing Halloween-themed shirts to fully embrace the spirit.