Local businesses on Main St. are stocking up on candy and preparing for the annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat. The event is part of the Downtown Bowling Green “Fun on Main” campaign, a series of seasonal activities for children and community members.
“Every year for Halloween, Downtown Bowling Green sponsors a community wide trick-or-treat,” said director of Downtown Bowling Green, Barbara Ruland. “Last year, about 500 people came out. Our office gave away at least 600 pieces of candy.”
The Downtown trick-or-treat is a community tradition and has been going on since 1985. More than 25 businesses on Main Street will be passing out candy and coupons.
“We’re passing out candy and coupons for free kids meals,” said Nadya Shihadeh, manager of Qdoba on South Main. “The events the city sponsors are a great way for the community to come together and have fun.”
Volunteers from several student organizations will also be helping out at the Downtown trick- or treat. Junior Christina Stembridge is the president of Delta Sigma Theta. She said service to the community is important to their organization.
“Myself and four of my sorority sisters will be acting as crossing guards and helping the trick-or-treaters cross Main Street,” Stembridge said. “One of our main principles is service so we always want to seek out volunteer opportunities to help the community.”
From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 28, community members can visit local stores on Main Street to pocket some sweet treats.
“Bowling Green is a community of civic-minded people and I think you can see that on Main Street,” Ruland said. “The business owners downtown know you have to work together to build a good community.”