Three months ago, Corey Bowie, councilman for Ward 8, envisioned a Halloween program for the members of his area.

Planning to reopen the Selma Youth Development Center, Bowie worked to create a Halloween gathering at the center, hosted on Saturday afternoon.

“I wanted to just try to give them a safe haven,” Bowie said.

He also wanted to have spiritual and holiday activities because he believes Halloween can be thought of as only an evil time.

Volunteers from Westwood Church of God, including students dressed as clowns from the church’s group New Kids on the Rock, painted faces and passed out snacks.

Stephen Flanary, a student volunteer dressed as the clown named Stretch, wanted to help out both his church and the event. “I like helping the kids choose what they want to help make them happy,” Flanary said. He would volunteer next year because he had fun helping the children choose designs for their face painting.

Naya Towns will also come back next year because she likes face painting and seeing people’s costumes for Halloween. “It’s been really fun,” Towns said.

Long-time resident of the area around the center, Diana Oliver enjoyed the event and plans to bring her four children back to all the events the center hosts. “I’m from this neighborhood and I try to support this area,” Oliver said. “We need something more for our children.”

Bowie expected about 50 children to attend the event, but more than 100 showed up. Since the event had such popularity, Bowie is confident the event will happen again next year, and perhaps become an annual event.