Downtown's 26th Annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat looking to expand

Sweets and treats flow like water in downtown Kilgore each Halloween and this year will be no different. The 26th annual Halloween Trick-or- Treat event is slated for 3 p.m. through 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 in a barricaded safety zone at the intersection of Kilgore Street and Main Street.

As an added treat Fallon Burns, Main Street manager, has encouraged business from all over Kilgore to participate in the event.

"In the past, the majority of business participants have been downtown area merchants," Burns said. "I encourage anyone to come out this year and set up a booth or table and join in the festivities."

According to Burns, approximately 2,000 parents and children turned out for the event last year and took part in a variety of games, contests and the big trick-or-treat.

"It was amazing to witness that kind of turn out," Burns said. "I hope to see even more families out this year."

In order to put on a Trick-or- Treat event of this size, participating businesses pay into a candy fund and Martha Fertitta, Owner of Package Plus, takes all the money collected and makes one huge candy purchase. Burns encourages donations to the fund. She and her Main Street advisory board have all personally donated.

The trek downtown is not only about sweets. While out collecting treats, children will see clowns making balloon art, jugglers, fire and rescue vehicles as well as jugglers and a "disc jockey" will be on the scene playing age-appropriate Halloweenthemed music.

A costume contest is scheduled for two different times, 3:30 p.m. and again at 4:30 p.m. Judging will be in three age groups, with three places up for grabs in each group.

"This year is going to be better than ever," Burns said. "We are planning a good time for all, in a safe environment."

Streets will be closed to vehicle traffic at 2:45 p.m.

For more information on the event or to make a donation to the candy fund contact Burns at 903-984-5081 or Fertitta at 903-984-8859.