Trick-or-Treat Under the Sea a Sweet Success

The Aquarium enjoyed a howling success with this year’s Trick or Treat Under the Sea (TOTUS) on Oct. 30.

In its third year, the 2008 Halloween event broke previous attendance records and drew nearly 3,000 participants, up more than 30 percent from last year.

AmericaSuites

Channel Marker Restaurant

Crystal Coast Parent Magazine

Discovery Diving

Dropins Childcare

Fliperz Cheer & Tumble Center

Furniture Distributors

GB's DJ Service

Lee’s Photography

Mary Kay Independent Sales

Consultant Beth Crosswell

Nancy's Affordable Floral Design

Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter

Parent Trap Inc.

Pine Knoll Shores Fire Department

Pine Knoll Shores Police Department

RE/Max Ocean Properties

The Crab’s Claw

Tiller School

Town of Atlantic Beach

Waner Family Eye Care

The vendors decorated booths and handed out candy to little ghosts, goblins, mermaids and other magical and mythical creatures . Guest judges Joan Lamson, mayor of Pine Knoll Shores, and Walter Phillips of the Carteret News-Times singled out the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter for the best overall booth. The judges also handed out several TOTUS “medals” to kids wearing especially creative costumes.

“The event is very popular because it gives children a chance to dress up and enjoy traditional trick-or-treating in an indoor, controlled and unique environment,” said Becky Davis, Special Events Coordinator. "Thank you to our vendors for making this year's event enjoyable and successful for all who attended." Proceeds go toward the Aquarium's Education programs.