On Monday afternoon all manner of ghosts, ghouls, and hordes the undead will descend upon downtown Elizabethton, but fear not good citizens as there are sure to be plenty of superheroes and other valiant souls on hand to defend you.
Trick-or-Treating downtown has been a tradition for many, many years. Kathy Shoun, president of the Downtown Business Association, has participated in the event she became owner of The Dressing Room nearly 20 years ago.
“I haven’t missed a year yet,” she said.
This year’s Trick-or-Treating will be held on Monday, Oct. 31 from 3-4:30 p.m.
Most of the businesses located in the historic downtown participate in the event handing out goodies to children, but Shoun said the event is not limited to just the businesses.
“We also have churches, civic clubs, and other organizations that come down and participate as well,” she said.
Over the years the event has grown and now an average of between 3,000 and 5,000 people will visit Elizabethton’s downtown for the event.
“There’s probably at least 1,000 children, but their parents and other adults come with them,” Shoun said.
In addition to the treats handed out on the sidewalks, the children can also take part in some special fun provided by the Elizabethton Parks & Recreation Department.
Parks & Rec Director Mike Mains said his agency will have some fun activities, such as inflatables, set up for the children in the heart of downtown along Armed Forces Drive.
The Parks & Rec Department is also hosting a costume contest, which will take place at 4 p.m. there at the department’s set up on Armed Forces Drive.
In addition to the events downtown, Shoun said some neighboring churches are also hosting events on Monday that will take place as the downtown event begins to wind down.
All in all, Shoun said, the event provides “good, clean fun” in a safe environment.
Leading up to the event, businesses downtown participate in a Scarecrow Decorating Contest. On Friday, the Downtown Business Association announced the winners.
First place went to the Covered Bridge Cafe for their “Scarecrow Cemetery.
Ivy Hall Nursing Home captured second prize with their display titled “Grandma’s Garden of Love.”
This year third place went to Security Federal Bank’s display which was called “Harvest Your Nest Egg With Security Federal Bank.”
“We wish we could make everyone winners,” Shoun said of the contest. “We really appreciate everyone participating.”
In addition to helping decorate the downtown area, Shoun said events like the scarecrow contest also attracts visitors.
“I’ve seen families downtown sitting on the hay bales and taking their pictures in front of our shops,” Shoun said, adding little things like that help to bring the downtown to life.