Black Birch Books hosting ‘Haunted Book Store’ event

WASILLA — Black Birch Books is hosting a Halloween event for all ages this weekend. Local families can bring their children to enjoy a myriad of spooky and fun activities during the Haunted Book Store event.

“That’s gonna be massive,” Black Birch Books owner Taylor Jordan said.

Jordan noted that this event is safe and appropriate for all age groups and demographics, so parents and caregivers don’t need to worry about jump scares, flashing lights, or anything too intense. She said it’s just a carefree and festive way for families to get in the Halloween spirit.

“That’s the point of this place, to be a safe place,” Jordan said.

The Haunted Book Store event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Attendees will be able to participate in a number of activities put on by participating vendors, including face painting by Color Me Festivities Fun, “spooky physical activities” by Peak Performance and Fitness, family photo sessions by Spirit Photography, arts and crafts by Youth 360, and a magic show put on by Edward the Magnificent. There will also be a costume contest and several local food trucks serving fresh meals onsite.

Black Birch has been very busy since they reopened inside their new location off Bogard Road, hosting community events such as open mic nights, storytime sessions, book club meetings, group art activities, and events highlighting local authors.

“It’s a lot of fun. It’s still the same book store that everybody’s used to,” Jordan said. “Every month is a different set of things.”

According to Jordan, October has been a particularly busy month. She said they saw about 200 people at another Halloween event they hosted with Jonathan’s Reptiles and Alaska Bug Dealers featuring live spiders, lizards, and other kinds of creepy, crawly creatures.

“It was spectacular,” Jordan said.

Several individuals and families from across the Valley gathered at Black Birch Wednesday, Oct. 20 for a miniature paint night hosted with MJ Cards and Games. Participants painted figures from the popular Warhammer game series. Jordan noted that they extended the event time frame for these types of events since they’re so well attended.

“It’s nice to see the comm com tog loke that,” Jordan said.

Six-year-old Olivia Burns spent most of her time visiting with the store’s mascot, a black and white dog named Dante, giving him lots of treats and pets while her mother Regina Burns, and 10-year-old brother Osker Burns painted miniature figures.

“This is great. I’m hooked,” Oskar said as he carefully added the final touches to one of his figures.

Regina said they homeschool their children, so it’s great having access to family-friendly events such as those hosted by Black Birch without ever having to leave the Valley.

“We look for things like this. I like bringing the kids here,” Regina said. “They’re getting the community involved.”

For more information about Black Birch Books, call 907-373-2677 or visit their official Facebook page at facebook.com/blackbirchbooks.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com