Trick or Treat on the Square is celebrating its 10th year of providing Searcy with a place for kids and families to celebrate Halloween together as a community.
The fun starts Friday from 5-7 p.m. on Spring Street in downtown Searcy. The square around the courthouse will not be used as it has in previous years due to extended hours for early voting.
Trick or Treat on the Square is coordinated by Amy Burton of Main Street Searcy, a nonprofit organization that sponsors various events throughout the year to revitalize the downtown area. Burton said local businesses and organizations will have booths and tables set up where kids can trick or treat on Spring Street. Zion Climbing Center and Impact 360 are sponsoring a haunted house on Spruce Street with a $5 admission, Center on the Square will host various activities on Arch Street and Main Street Searcy will sell soft drinks and snacks.
Burton said Crane Media is holding a youth costume contest for kids and teens through age 18. Entry is free and prizes will be given to three winners in each age category. Participants can register at 5 p.m. at Crane Media on Spring Street and the contest starts at 6 p.m.
“Part of the Main Street Searcy mission is to get people into the downtown business district,” Burton said. “We have a lot of strong, viable businesses downtown and we look at Trick or Treat on the Square as an opportunity to get some of the community into downtown.”
According to Burton, Trick or Treat on the Square regularly draws in at least 3,500 people. One of the advantages of the event is the safety it offers families.
“This is a safe alternative for kids going door to door,” Burton said. “We close the streets, the Searcy Police Department are here, you don’t have to worry about kids on dark streets or going into houses they don’t know, the candy comes from approved community businesses. That’s ultimately the reason we started this: it’s a safe way for kids to trick or treat.”
Freshman Ryan Williams grew up in Searcy and said he thinks that Trick or Treat on the Square is part of what makes Searcy great.
“Trick or Treat on the Square didn’t take off until after I was too old for trick or treating, but I still think it’s important to Searcy,” Williams said. “It gives kids a place where they can trick or treat safely but still have a good time.”
Trick or Treat on the Square is directed towards kids, but all ages are welcome and encouraged to dress up. Burton reminds adults to keep costumes appropriate and not too scary.
“I like seeing all the kids in the costumes,” Burton said. “As a mother, I’ve enjoyed bringing my own kids. They love it too, it’s become their Halloween tradition to come to Trick or Treat on the Square. It teaches your kids to be involved in the community.”
