Ghosts, vampires, werewolves and superheroes once again will arrive in downtown Crystal City and Festus for the annual Trick or Treat Spooktacular sponsored by the Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce.
This year’s version of the event, which for many years was called The Great Pumpkin Festival, is set for 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 28, along Bailey Road in Crystal City and Main Street in Festus.
For a year it was called Trick or Treat on Main Street and then was named the Trick or Treat Spooktacular in 2022. No matter what it’s been called, the event always has had businesses and organizations hand out candy and other treats to youngsters in their Halloween costumes.
“We do get good participation,” said Nina Musante, the chamber’s co-director. “Also, merchants will be open along Main Street and Bailey Road (some outside of their normal hours). We’ll have some handing out candy inside the stores and some outside from stands.”
She said the Trick or Treat Spooktacular draws people from the Twin City Area and beyond.
“It’s open to anybody looking for something to do that day,” Musante said. “It’s definitely something the community looks forward to. The costumes are so creative.”
She said the event will include a costume contest, which will be held in front of the Cobblestone Art & Frame shop, 109 Main St. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners in each of the following categories:
■ 9:30 a.m. Families.
■ 10 a.m. Newborns to age 3.
■ 10:30 a.m. Children ages 4-6.
■ 11 a.m. Children ages 7-10.
■ 11:30 a.m. Dogs (all dogs must be on a leash). Barks N Bubbles Dog Grooming, Festus, sponsors the dog costume contest.
The event also will feature Halloween music and people in inflatable costumes.
“Last year, we had a My Little Pony inflatable costume,” Musante said.
For more information, go to the chamber website at twincitychamber.com.