The JAS used to hold events in a small location with a capacity of 100 people. Since 2017, the Halloween event has been held in collaboration with Iwakuni City. It was originally supposed to take place at the Iwakuni City Hall, but due to an unexpected election, we had to use a larger hall that the city provided. The challenge was that the space was too big for JAS.
This means that we need more decorations than usual. Additionally, JAS faces another challenge: we expected about 200 participants, but this venue can accommodate several hundred people. We need to increase our advertising efforts to attract enough attendees to fill the space.
But there wasn't enough time before the event day. So, the venue was divided into two spaces using partitions. JAS used one space and hid the other. One challenge was solved. The next challenge was gathering enough decorations.
Fortunately, Mr. Shibazaki, the president, had as many decorations as Tony. Two challenges were solved. For me, I faced another big issue. The venue was changed to a larger location, and many more people were expected to attend. The event's name was also changed from Halloween Festival to Halloween Carnival. I didn't know what a carnival was.
As a webmaster, I had to advertise this event on their website. During the meeting, JAS planned the following:
- Giving candies to kids
- Having the kids make paper bags designed by themselves to put the candy in
- Holding a costume contest
- Demonstrations on making Jack-o'-lanterns.
- At the same time, attractions like cornhole games and ring toss games would be available.
- Participants could also take photos with many costumed staff members.
The only thing I knew was Jack-o'-lanterns, so I had to check the other activities.
I found some pictures on the internet and made a video for advertising.
This was my first time creating a video from pictures.
Despite my efforts, the movie was rejected because it was too scary for kids.
So, I recreated it to feel happier, and this time, it was approved.
But I still liked the previous version better.
The 2017 Halloween Carnival was a great success. Many people attended, and local media covered the event.
My job that day was to check all the attractions and take pictures and videos. This is the last video in this article. From next year, 2018, the venue was moved to a much nicer location. I will write about it in "After 2018 Halloween Carnival."
My job in the JAS activity involved managing their website and P.A. system, so I had to handle both tasks at the same time. When I wasn't checking the sound system, I was taking pictures or shooting videos.
On this important day, a local high school student volunteered to help me.
He operated the P.A. system, which was incredibly helpful.