First-ever trick or treat is an attendance feat
BUTLER TWP — The ghouls came out early for Halloween this year, and their shadows cast long around the perimeter of Preston Park Friday evening.
The Butler County Chamber of Commerce collaborated with Butler Township to host the first-ever trick or treat community night, which even attracted many people from outside the township because it was another opportunity for them to dress up.“It was nice to have something else to do,” said Kristie Martin, of Summit Township, whose children, Camryn and Sean, dressed up as a snow globe and a flying saucer, respectively. “It was another chance for them to wear their costumes.”Nearly 25 community organizations set up tents at the park to give out candy and other “tricks,” according to Caitlin Blum of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce.Blum said the event came together easily because many people were excited to plan a new Halloween event for the area.
“I love Halloween,” Blum said. “We really wanted to do something to celebrate the season and, honestly, it just came together on its own.”Butler Township manager Tom Knights said the event originated in 2020, when the township was trying to plan a drive-thru trick or treat. Those plans didn't come to fruition, but the spark of the idea carried over to this year.“Last year, we were going to have a drive-thru event here, but we weren't able to,” Knights said. “Everybody wanted to do this, and the chamber really helped out.”The line of children and families spread around the park like a trick or treat assembly line, and some people representing their organizations said they hoped they brought enough candy for everyone. Knights said everyone was glad the rain that plagued the morning and afternoon took a break for the evening festivities.
Blum said the number of people who came out was a somewhat scary aspect of the evening, but exciting overall.“At 5:20, we had people lining up,” Blum said. “We were not expecting this much, especially for the first year.”Knights agreed and said the success of the event shows there is a demand for more like it in the future.“This exceeded turnout expectations,” Knights said. “We'll have to call this the first annual event.”Martin said she was glad her children's costumes were able to be shown off for more than just one night of trick or treat. She said her family goes all out for Halloween, and they enjoy the opportunity to make homemade costumes.“My husband is the engineer, he makes most of the parts, and I kind of have ideas and inspiration,” Martin said. “We love it.”
