Cold, wind, even snow can’t stop excited Lincoln trick-or-treaters from candy hunt led by Mayor ‘Moo’ Seth Goodman

[October 30, 2017]   LINCOLN - On Saturday morning, it was cold, it was cloudy, it was even windy, and for a brief time it even snowed. None of that though seemed to have any impact on the annual Trick-or-Treat with the Mayor event in downtown Lincoln.

Kids came out, with their parents in what may have been record numbers. To get the parade going, volunteer Misty Bell began lining everyone up on the sidewalk leading from the northwest corner of Latham Park to the band stand. The line wrapped around the bandstand and continued to form all the way along the sidewalk to the southeast corner of the park.

The event began with registration for door prizes that would be given out at the end of the day. Kids in costumes gathered in lines before a very convincing hobo (Alderman Rick Hoefle), who saw that everyone registered for the door prizes and enjoyed a treat from the city while they waited for the parade to begin.

The trick-or-treating began by crossing the North Kickapoo Street and headed west to 74 K Photography. There kids not only collected candy for their bags and basket, they were also given an opportunity to have their photos taken, free of charge.

Back on Kickapoo Street the parade proceeded to Prairie Years, Abe’s Carmel Corn Shoppe, Sir Renna Tea, and D-Fades Barber Shop and Beauty Salon at the corner of Kickapoo and Broadway.

Heading west on Broadway Street the kids stopped at the State Bank of Lincoln, then crossed the street and came back west to National Rent to Own. The procession continued making stops at By the Bean, Beans and Such, Deep Roots Café, and Serendipity Stitches.

Going west again, there was one stop at State Finance, then the group backtracked on the other side of the street to the Alley-Bi. The march continued to Joe Ryan Country Financial, Spirited Republic, and Mama’s Arcade on Pulaski Street. At Visual Ink, kids filed inside for treats and a second opportunity to have their photo taken.

The group then moved on to McLean Street, where they visited Michelle Bauer Country Financial, United Way, and the Lincoln Art Institute.

As the group left the LCA, crossing the street to the Logan County Courthouse, everyone began to yell, “It is snowing!” Indeed it was, but thankfully it was short-lived and had come to an end by the time everyone was gathered on the courthouse steps for a group photo.

With the photo business all behind them, the parade continued on to the west end of Broadway Street to Flossie and Delzina’s, then headed east to Thrivent Financial, Mary Todd’s Hallmark, Copper Penny and New 2 You thrift shop, all on the Broadway Street side of the downtown square.

Rounding the corner again, the sidewalk at Lincoln City Hall is under construction, so the group headed to the empty space behind Heartland College and Safe Haven Hospice. There they were greeted with treats from the Pink Shutter staff; then gathered for the drawing of prizes.

Alderwoman Michelle Bauer led the drawing for prizes with Mayor Seth Goodman. Prizes this year were donated by several local businesses including Dunkin’ Doughnuts, Cracker Barrel, Russell Stover, Mel-o-Crème, McDonalds, Culvers, Lincoln Park District, Family Video, Stuffed Aria, 74K Photography.

This was a first time event for Mayor Goodman, who led the parade dressed as a cow. He said he enjoyed the event very much and was very appreciative of all the businesses that participated by handing out candy or donating a prize for the drawing.

[Nila Smith]