Spookapalooza might very well be the event of the year – every year – at Bowie. Two floors, and then some, were filled with students, staff and families, most of whom came out in full custom. Spookapalooa is part carnival, part haunted festival, and entirely chaotic in the best way.

More than 20 clubs set up their booths, each with a clever (and sometimes mischievous) way to make kids “work” for their candy.

Even those who didn’t “win” a game still left with something sweet; Spookapalooza’s golden rule was that no ghoul went home candy-less.

But the biggest draw—without question—was the musical chairs. The main hall near Room 501 was packed with kids all circling a ring of folding chairs as spooky music blared from the speakers. It was part survival, part dance party, and all madness.

“This is by far our most attended event,” said Principal Lee Jones. “It’s pretty crazy.”

As the night wound down, students in every kind of costume—from ghouls to superheroes to inflatable dinosaurs—wandered home with pillowcases full of candy and hearts full of laughter.

And just like every year, the final bell of Spookapalooza rang with the same promise: next October, they’d all be back—ready to play, laugh, and maybe, just maybe, take home a victory at musical chairs