By J.D. O’Gara

The dead will come alive – and party! – at 911 Panther Way in Franklin on Saturday, October 28th, from 2-6 p.m. That’s the date the Franklin Police will hold their annual Halloween monster bash (rain date, Sunday, October 29th).

In addition to a bouncy house, obstacle courses, games, and other tricks, and of course, candy (just see any Franklin Police Officer and don’t forget to bring a bag), the free event will offer hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, face-painting and pumpkin painting. All souls are invited to don their favorite costume and come on down to join the fun. The 20+ year-old event, run by the Franklin Police Department, the Patrol Association and the Sergeant’s Association, is an especially big smash with creatures enrolledin elementary school.

If you dare, enter the Hall of Justice, a (not-too-scary) dungeon where villains are imprisoned.

“We take (kids) to our cells…and we’ve put villains in there,” explains Franklin Police Officer Paul Guarino. In the past, these costumed creepies have been embodied by Franklin High School theatre kids, but all entrapped monsters are volunteers. 

The Franklin PD’s Halloween party is one of the officers’ favorite ways to strengthen relationships with the community. 

“It’s a very positive event, a good way for our officers and to break down barriers between us and our community,” says Guarino. He wants youth to “see us as more of a community member who’s looking to help and experiences rather than someone who’s looking to get them in trouble. It’s a continued effort to build those relationships. That’s our main objective, and we really enjoy it,” says Guarino.

The annual event draws hundreds of people, and it’s a great way to kick off a mad Halloween!