On March 16, many Fayette County students thought they were getting a two-week spring break. Those same students are now learning virtually and adapting to the new normal. Extracurricular activities and classes are also finding ways to interact safely with their students and the community.

On Oct. 28, the PLD Theatre hosted the Dunbar Drive-In Spooktacular, an event that English and Drama teacher Mrs. Brooke Jackson described as “a fun way for students to come together and celebrate Halloween.”

The Drive-In was held from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Dunbar parking lot. The cost was $5 per person or $15 per carload. The audience was invited to dress up in costumes, dance, receive candy, and even be entered into raffles. The event complied with government-mandated COVID-19 rules, and participants stayed socially distanced from others and wore masks. 

“The Spooktacular is a really fun and safe way we can all get together in this weird time. Just being able to see your friends all dressed up for Halloween or even just going around and trick-or-treating in the school parking lot is a really nice way to feel like the world is back to normal,” junior Peyton Bruce said. 

Although the second event was scheduled for Oct. 29, the Spooktacular was postponed to Nov. 4 from 6 – 9 p.m due to heavy rain. The PLD Theatre will be showing The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon – a play that they recorded via Zoom.

Like many clubs, organizations, and teams, the Drama Department was hit hard by COVID-19.

“We spent $30,000 dollars on our spring show. Due to the shutdown, we were unable to put on our spring play. We have not been able to recoup the money from the spring so we are hoping to raise enough money to be able to do some other plays and/or musicals through the rest of the year,” Jackson said.

All proceeds of The Dunbar Drive-In Spooktacular support the PLD Theatre and Drama Department.