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If the numbers of people downtown during last night’s Trick or Treat event are any sign, it seems that Halloween is a very popular holiday.
The streets were full, tons of candy and books and more were distributed to the excited children and their families. And the business people were all smiles, greeting what seemed like a thousand children and their parents visiting the downtown area.
When the weather cooperates, and it certainly did, this is a wonderful way to get the entire community back on the streets, reminding us that downtown Webster City is a truly fun experience.
We saw brothers and sisters, entire families, grandmothers, grandfathers, and little ones so little, that they could fit inside some of the containers of candy.
But most importantly, we saw faces of families that were full of joy.
That is what a small town can provide, a truly safe place to celebrate the holidays. Halloween isn't as spooky as it used to be, with very few monsters, nary a ghost to be seen.
I may have missed some of these types of costumes, but I didn't even see a witch this year.
I've never been a great fan of Halloween. Perhaps it was because I lived in the country; when I was little enough, the weather didn't cooperate, and it was scary to go up to strange houses. But it might be because I don't like to be scared. If Halloween events were held like this one when I was a child, I might feel differently. Its a great opportunity to dress up and be someone else, even if only for an evening. And sometimes we all just want to be someone else.
We have to commend the city for closing the streets for this city wide event. It feels safe, it seemed welcoming, and the City of Webster City crews that positioned city equipment to make the retrieval of candy a bit more challenging, made it fun.
The key is this event is safe, and with two more nights before Halloween is officially over for another year, I hope it stays that way.
Residential Trick or Treating happens on Saturday night, and it continues until 8 p.m. By then it is dark, and we hope all parents remember to put their children in costumes that are easily seen. The evening hours make it more treacherous, and those who are driving on Saturday night need to be wary.
Let's keep Halloween fun, and safe for all.