POCATELLO — On Oct. 11, downtown Pocatello will transform into a spirited mix of costumes, zombies and family fun as runners, families and community members gather for the Costume Dash & Monster Mash Carnival.

The event is a dual fundraiser for Friends of the Children — Eastern Idaho and Housing Alliance and Community Partners, held in cooperation with Delirium Haunted House. Together, these organizations are raising vital funds to support children and families facing housing insecurity, poverty, and trauma across Eastern Idaho.

The day kicks off at 10 a.m. with a 1-mile Kiddie Costume Dash, followed by a 5K Zombie Run at 10:15 a.m. Both races begin and end at the old Convergys building, 805 N. Main St. in Pocatello, where the Monster Mash Carnival will bring family-friendly booths, games and activities to life.

But this is more than just a run. As zombies chase runners through the streets, the community is racing against real-life obstacles: generational poverty, unstable housing and systemic barriers that hold children back.

“Every child deserves to feel safe, supported and full of hope for their future. When runners lace up for this race, they’re not just dodging zombies — they’re helping kids dodge the obstacles of poverty and trauma,” said Gina Judd, executive director of Friends of the Children — Eastern Idaho.

Impact that lasts beyond race day

Funds raised will directly support Friends of the Children — Eastern Idaho, which provides long-term, professional mentors to children from kindergarten through graduation — 12-plus years, no matter what — and Housing Alliance and Community Partners, which addresses housing insecurity and supports families in building stability.

Take Josiah*, a 7-year-old who, a little over one year ago, was living with his expectant mother and four other adults in a camp trailer. He, his mom and baby brother now have their own apartment, and his natural intelligence and ability to manage his big emotions in prosocial ways are expanded every time he spends time with his mentor, Eduardo. Their bond is so strong now that when recently asked about his family, he claimed he had two brothers, “My baby brother, and my big brother, Eduardo.” His story is just one of many showing how long-term mentorship and stable housing can create ripple effects that strengthen entire families and neighborhoods.

“When families have both housing and consistent support, everything changes — from the classroom to the dinner table to the wider community. That’s what this event is all about: creating stability, joy and opportunity,” said Jared Mangum, executive director, Housing Alliance and Community Partners.

Join the fun, join the fight

Community members can register to run, sponsor or host a carnival booth. Official Race Sponsors, Selfie Station Sponsors and general sponsorship opportunities are available. Vendor registration for carnival booths is open now.

Early bird run registration ends Wednesday. Register at hacpid.gov/costume-dash-5k-fun-run-registration

Registration deadline for sponsorships and booths is Oct. 3. The vendor registration form can be found at hacpid.gov/cdmmevent-vendor-registration.