BREMERTON — A Halloween staple in Bremerton is taking a year — or more — off while the USS TurnerJoy focuses on more family friendly events.

“(The haunted ship is) something people know about come Halloween, and we just thought that wewould try something a little bit different this year,” said Frank Portello, director of the USS Turner Joy.“Some people are a little disappointed because they really like coming on it. But others, as soon as I explain what our intent is, they like that we’re trying to make our event a little more family oriented,instead of just an adult thing that scares people.

“The haunted ship is more for adults,” Portello added, “it’s not so much for kids. I want to bring eventsto the Turner Joy that are more family friendly.”

He said although there won’t be a haunted ship event this year, there may be in the future.

Instead of the annual haunted ship, which started about 10 years ago, according to Portello, the USSTurner Joy is holding a few different events.

From 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, the Turner Joy is hosting a “Pokemon Lure Party.” In addition tooffering a $2 discount on ship entries, the team will be throwing out Pokemon lures at the two Pokestopsoutside the ship.

From 5-8 p.m. Oct. 22, the ship will host its first of what they hope will be many game nights, at whichpeople of all skill levels can compete in an “Axis and Allies” board game, hosted in partnership withGame Wizards. Food and drinks will be provided by Jimmy Johns. The event costs $30 per person.

Finally, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, the Turner Joy is teaming up with SEEfilm in Bremerton for a familymovie event. “Hotel Transylvania” will be screening in theaters, and the theater lobby will feature a USSTurner Joy information booth. Tickets are $8 for children, $10 for adults, and are available in the USSTurner Joy gift shop. Children are encouraged to come in their Halloween costumes.

“What we’re trying to do is more community-oriented events that are on the ship for the whole families,”Portello said.

He added that future events could include a Lego event, music event, a kids event on Talk Like a Pirateday (Sept. 19) and turning the game night into a monthly event.

“I’d like to have a board game night every month on the ship, where we do different games,” Portellosaid. “Kid games during the afternoon, adult board games, teenager board games, things like that.”

He said if someone wanted to suggest fun, appropriate board games for these events, email him atdirector@ussturnerjoy.org.

He hopes to host a number of family friendly events in the future, partnered with local businesses formutual benefit.

“What I would like to do is bring more families onto the ship who are local and also tourists,” he said.“Maybe (locals) see it every day here, but never had a reason to go on it.

“I’d like to actually have events on the ship that involve the community and, in particular, families.”

To learn more about the USS Turner Joy’s upcoming events or to purchase tickets, visitwww.ussturnerjoy.org and select the events tab.

Learn about USS Turner Joy volunteer opportunities at www.ussturnerjoy.org/get-involved.

Michelle Beahm is a reporter for the Central Kitsap Reporter and Bremerton Patriot. She can be reached atmbeahm@soundpublish ing.com.