Hundreds trick or treat in downtown Vinton
VINTON–For over 25 years, merchants in Vinton have invited children to trick or treat in the downtown business area. Again this Halloween, portions of Lee, Jackson, and Walnut Avenues and Pollard Street were blocked off on October 31 while youngsters visited stores to collect candy. Over 1,700 turned out despite the cold winds.
Stephanie “Gypsy” Byng of Charity Thrift Cottage won 1st place in costumes for participating groups in the Downtown Vinton Trick or Treat
Merchants, churches, and community organizations from the corridor areas of Vinton also set up booths and tables on the downtown streets so they could participate in the event.
Barry “Slash” Thompson (on right), Treasurer and Director of Finance for the Town of Vinton took 2nd place in costumes. His department hosted a haunted house in the Municipal Building which won 3rd place in decorating. Kathryn Sowers from the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce helped organize the event.
Children decked out for Halloween, often accompanied by adults in costume, arrived in droves from 2:30 p.m. until 4:45. Over 30 businesses and organizations provided treats.
Shirley Amos, of Creative Occasions Florals and Gifts, won 3rd place in costumes. The Creative Occasions storefront won 2nd place in decorating.
Bedrock Community Church kept the popcorn popping from start to finish, serving over 1,000 people, and donated coloring books in addition to the popcorn.
Bedrock Community Church donated, popped, and served about 1,000 bags of popcorn at the event, and also donated coloring books.
Local business owners, their employees, and Town Staff decorated storefronts and dressed in costume. The Town’s Finance Department hosted a child-friendly “haunted house” inside the Municipal Building.
This tiny policewoman led her chain gang through the streets of downtown Vinton collecting treats.
In years past, from 1600 to 1800 trick-or-treaters have taken part in the event which gives children a safe place to trick or treat, and gives downtown businesses exposure.
“Collector’s Edition Barbie” dropped by the event.
This young man’s candy meter registered over the top after making over 30 stops on the trick or treat route.
“Businesses are delighted to have citizens and visitors come and see what they have to offer,” said Mary Beth Layman, Director of Special Programs for the Town of Vinton. The Town co-sponsors the event each year with the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Mary Beth Layman (on left), Vinton’s Director of Special Programs, organizes the event each year with the Chamber.
Postal worker Jimmy Arthur won 1st place in decorating for the USPS.
