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Costumed kids take to downtown streets for treats
Regan Hill photo
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Published: October 31, 2009
Witches, goblins, storm troopers, ghosts and even a couple of princesses descended into downtown Friday evening seeking the sweet treats that would send them on their merry way.
"Trick or treat" and "thank you" were the words most often used during the two-hour event.
Ethan Ivey, 5, ran past the RBC Bank on East Broad Street shaking the chain draped around his neck.
"I'm a ghost," he said. "I just say 'Whooo!' "
His mom, Windy Ivey, said she has been coming to the event since she was young, and they plan to trick or treat again today.
This year, the annual trick or treating event sponsored by the Downtown Statesville Development Corp. brought in more than 1,000 children plus their parents. In some cases, the sidewalks had lines five people deep.
The DSDC's Deb Konczal, who has helped organize the event for 18 years, said Friday's event was "the biggest event so far."
Diana McLaughlin-White of Broad Street Gallery said she gave away 11.5 pounds of candy within 30 minutes.
"There are a ton of people out there," she said.
Costumes ran the gamut this year, ranging from Nemo from the Disney Pixar movie "Finding Nemo" to animals to Transformers. Olivia Pettigrew dressed up as a Twister game and another girl dressed up as a table.
Eleven-year-old Emalee Straw said she always comes downtown with her brother Travis, 7, and her mother Michelle.
She said she likes meeting the people and getting some exercise.
"It's for the candy and to go trick or treating," Travis added.
Parents had a number of reasons for choosing to go downtown this year. There is a chance of rain on Halloween, one parent said. Taking the children downtown is safer, a number of parents said.
Others wanted to give their children a chance to nab some candy because they have too many activities going on tomorrow.
"He's off today," said Hannah Gilliland, pointing to her husband Bryan. "We wanted a safe place with earlier hours."
It's the Gilliland family's first time trick or treating downtown, and young Eli and Isaac were enjoying it.
The adults got into the festivities as much as the children did. Kim Sherrill was passing out candy at Travis Last CPA dressed as a witch.
She said the event gave her a chance to celebrate Halloween.
"I think it's great," Sherrill said. "I love it."
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