A few thousand visited downtown Crystal City-Festus Oct. 24 for the annual Trick or Treat Spooktacular sponsored by the Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce, organizers reported.
The bright and clear morning of the event drew hordes of costumed tykes along with their parents, plus some entire families and pets dressed for Halloween, to Festus Main Street and Crystal City Bailey Road to receive candy and other treats from participating businesses.
“Credit the weather,” said Mary Zebrowski, the chamber’s executive director. “I think it was a better turnout than last year (when rain threatened).
“I had about 1,500 items to give out, and we gave all of them out. I would say we had a crowd of 2,000 to 3,000, with parents.”
Zebrowski said Main Street-Bailey Road merchants and other businesses gave out oodles of candy and other treats or items.
“I would imagine the trick-or-treaters did really well,” she said. “I thought there was good participation from the businesses.”
Even some other businesses not based in downtown Crystal City-Festus attended and distributed treats along the roadway, she said.
“Autumn Ridge Residences (of Herculaneum) brought their cotton candy machine,” she noted. “Main Key Realty on Main Street gave out popcorn and had the haunted house.”
In conjunction with the treat giveaway, the chamber holds a costume contest at the Spooktacular. The following were this year’s participants chosen as the top three in various categories who received prizes:
■ Family category – 1. The Hermans (Chance, Tabitha, Alice and Jasper); 2. The Meyers (Manuel, Malaika, Melora and Marzilee); 3. The Lamberts (Brae and Susanne).
■ Newborn to age 3: 1. Graham Barley (Pinocchio); 2. Layla Rhineberger (Big Bird); 3. Sadie Gosnell (jewelry box ballerina).
■ Ages 4-6: 1. Rowan McCallister (Oogie Boogie); 2. Rosie Barley (parrot); 3. Miles McNeel (Star Wars).
■ Ages 7-10: 1. Ashton Lewis (head on a plate); 2. Wyatt McCallister (Nightmare Before Christmas mayor); 3. Liora Winnett (Tic Tacs).
Zebrowski said one of the reasons the Spooktacular pulls in so many families is it is a safe way to enjoy the Halloween season.
“You can trust in the treats they give out,” she said.
She said she was happy with everything about the 2026 Spooktacular.
“All went well,” she said. “We had nice weather and a good crowd.”
