By Gillian Graham

Staff Writer

Linda the Witch wants Halloween to be full of spooky fun, not scary situations. 

For the past five years, Linda McRee – known in her Biddeford neighborhood as “Linda the Witch” –  has gathered prize and games to create a night where “kids can be kids for a couple hours,” she said. McRee will throw her sixth annual free Halloween party Oct. 16 at Mechanics Park in Biddeford and, for the first time, is “begging for help” from the community. 

After seeing her friend’s children dressed up for Halloween but only trick-or-treating at a couple houses because of safety concerns, McRee knew she had to do something. The next year she hosted a party for five kids in her backyard. Last year, the party was held in Mechanics Park with 125 local children who played games and munched on hamburgers. 

“Every one of them was happy, every one of them had a gift,” McRee said. “I do it for the Biddeford kids.” 

Though the party is for the kids, McRee said in a way it is also for herself. Each year the party is a tribute to her son Michael, who was born in October and died at age 13.

“This is my way of having a birthday party for him every year,” she said. 

McRee, whose favorite holiday is Halloween, spends the entire year collecting decorations and games and buying small prizes. Unable to afford to do as much as she would like, McRee said it is time to ask for help. 

Pammy Baird of Biddeford met McRee a few years ago and was so touched by her story she decided to help. She recruited her boyfriend, Ralph Trynor, to assist and set to work looking for sponsorship and donations from local businesses. 

“When I heard her story, I saw her heart and love of kids. I just wanted to help,” Baird said. “We want to make sure the kids are safe.”  

Baird said The Home Depot has donated a generator to use to run lights in the park, but they are still looking for floodlights to borrow for the party. Other businesses such as Hannaford Bros. and Homer’s Sports Bar have contributed donations, she said. They are asking people to support their cause by volunteering at the party or donating small prizes from the dollar store. 

“It means a lot to us because it means our kids have a better and a safer time,” McRee said. 

McRee and her helpers plan to decorate the entire Mechanics Park – at the corner of Main and Water streets near the Saco River – with spooky and fun decorations. A winding path to the river will have a special surprise for older guests. Games will include “pin the hand on the skeleton” and bobbing for apples. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes. Each child will leave with a prize and a full stomach, McRee said.  

Baird said she and McRee hope the party will foster a sense of community in the area. They said the most rewarding part of the event is hearing “thank you” from parents and the sound of laughter in the night. 

“I’m ecstatic during the party. I get more joy and energy from watching them. All my work is to hear that noise, to hear little chattering chatterboxes,” McRee said. “Until I can’t do it anymore, I’ll keep going. It gets more fun each year.”

To volunteer or make a donation, call 710-6814 or 289-5306, or e-mail freehalloweenparty@yahoo.com. 

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.