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 Once again this year a large number of children
accompanied by parents or other family members made their way around
the downtown area calling on local businesses for sweet treats and
no tricks.
This year the trick or treaters were broken down into four groups so
as to make it less congestive as the kids made their way around
town. In the last two years, the lines of children calling on
merchants became very long and caused issues for crossing streets
and also keeping everyone together in one group.
This year, leaders took groups around with one group starting at the
corner of Pekin and North Kickapoo Streets and another group kicking
off at the corner of Pekin and North McLean Streets. Groups three
and four waited a few minutes to let the first two groups get at
least a block or so away, then also started from the same two
corners.
Each group was led by volunteers, while Mayor Goodman waited for
everyone to arrive on the north side of the Logan County Courthouse.
Goodman, dressed as the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz with the help
of Hannah Bowersock dressed as Dorothy, handed out candy to all the
kids as they arrived.
Instead of attempting to do one large photo this year, pictures were
taken by the group as they all arrived at the courthouse.
This year the general theme was from the Wizard of Oz. Volunteer
leaders dressed as characters including Dorothy, the Tin Man, the
Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow.
There were a couple of little Dorothy’s and Glenda the Good Witch
and two Wicked Witches. To add to the story line, there was also an awesome
tornado and a yellow brick road.
Organizers were in general pleased with the change in the
process. Around town, it was a day that everywhere one looked, in every
direction literally, there were crowds of costumed children parading the
streets.
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Looking for the spot where east and west would collide, it
happened on Pekin Street in the vicinity of the Arcade Building. Those passing
out treats along that section of town may have indeed felt they were in a
tornado or at least a whirl wind of children as kids approached from both
directions with bags ready to receive sweet treats.
This year there were approximately 26 businesses that participated in the event.
There were also stations set around the Logan County Courthouse that included
county offices and at least one fellow running for election.
All the merchants seemed to enjoy the event as much as the kids did, and nearly
every one of them was dressed in costume as they handed out candy.
At the end of the day, everyone left happy and excited to move on to the Logan
County Safety Complex. Goodman encouraged everyone to stop at the complex where
the Logan County Sheriff and Logan County Emergency Management Agency were
hosting a show and tell event on the lawn, and serving free hot dogs and chips
to everyone!
[Nila Smith] |
