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By GEOFF FOX

gfox@tampatrib.com

Published: October 24, 2009

HUDSON - Even as the annual Halloween bash was winding down, the Aripeka Elks Lodge was still full of hundreds of people.

At the 22nd party for children and adults with disabilities, partygoers dressed in a multitude of costumes. There was Zorro, a few ballerinas, a lady bug, several witches, a firefighter, a bunch of ghouls, The Cat in the Hat and Catwoman, as well as a slew of cowboys, pirates and wizards.

Shawn Stamp of Spring Hill attended the event for the first time with wife Jamie and their daughters, Anna, 14, and Kayla, 7.

"It's kind of overwhelming," Shawn Stamp said. "It really humbles you (to think that) we complain about what we think are our problems. Some of these people can't walk."

Of the Elks members who coordinate the event every year, Stamp said: "They really go above and beyond."

As trick-or-treaters entered the lodge, they went through an elaborate wooden village where volunteers passed them candy through windows. Also on the menu were pizza, hot dogs and soft drinks. Many of the attendees got their faces painted and balloons twisted into animal shapes.

The three-hour event is held at the Elks lodge at 9135 Denton Ave., just east of U.S. 19.

Every year, Hal Steffes, who started the event in 1988, contacts schools and group homes in Pasco and Hernando counties about the party, which draws 300 to 400 people a year.

A retired truck driver, Steffes has said his daughter had spinal meningitis and other health issues, so he knew that many children with special needs weren't able to trick or treat like other kids. That inspired him to start the event.

"Everyone who shows up gets a door prize," Steffes said. "And we give away a $50 savings bond that's donated every year from SunTrust Bank."

Donations from lodge members and local businesses also help make the event possible.

Other first-timers at Thursday's party included Iwona Chojnowsky of New Port Richey and her sons, Christian, almost 2, and Sebastian, 5.

Christian enthusiastically held up a large stuffed dragon he received, and Sebastian got a "Cars"-themed toy camera, which impressed his mother.

"They're very generous," she said. "Some of these toys are pretty expensive."

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 731-1239.

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