Era ends as Googong Halloween bash is axed - but the town will still put up a fright

It’s delighted (or frightened) kids and families for several years, but an annual Halloween event is no more.

A spokesperson for Googong Township Pty Ltd said it had pulled the pin after organising the BOOGong event for the past several years.

“Googong Township Pty Ltd have decided not to proceed with hosting BOOgong in 2023 or beyond,” the spokesperson said.

The event was first held in 2015 and was a chance for Googong residents and those from the surrounding area to dress up and watch entertainment.

“BOOgong is a complex event, and there has been increasing pressure to expand it year on year to offer more variety and entertainment,” the spokesperson said.

“We do not believe this is feasible to do and maintain safety and quality for the large number of people who attend.”

Googong Residents’ Association president Dean Martin said the event had attracted not just Googong residents, but people from further afield.

“BOOGong started before I actually got to Googong,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say everyone came – because it’s not everyone’s cup of tea – but it had people coming from Canberra and outside areas like Braidwood.

“I can see how all the community got involved, and how they made it into a good event was they got down there, actually dressed up and got right involved.”

But fans of Halloween should not despair, as the spooky fun is set to continue in the future – just on a smaller scale.

Mr Martin said his association was working with Googong Township Pty Ltd on future Halloween-themed events.

“BOOGong was a complex event, and Googong is growing and getting a lot bigger,” he said.

“We’re talking about something small, to do just within our local community so it can be something for us.”

Mr Martin said the response in Googong since the announcement in August had been mixed.

“You’re always going to have your group that’s happy it’s finished, and you’ll have some people that are disappointed.

“It’s the end of an era. It’s sad to see it cancelled.

“However, I’m sure all residents would thank the developers for actually conducting BOOGong over the years.”

The Googong Township Pty Ltd spokesperson said a range of other events would be unaffected by BOOGong’s cancellation.

“Googong’s extensive events program will otherwise proceed as usual, including Googfest, KiteFest, RFS Open Day, and Christmas Carols.”