‘Scott St. Scare’ ready for Halloween

Some 30 Scott Street businesses have agreed to keep their doors open after hours on Halloween night for the hundreds of costumed youngsters who are expected to “haunt” the downtown core.
Slated to run Oct. 31 from 4:30-7 p.m., the second-annual “Scott St. Scare” once again is being billed as a safe alternative for trick-or-treaters instead of having to go door-to-door.
“I’m happy with 30 businesses participating,” organizer Sandra McNay of Masquerade Costume Rentals said last week.
Candy, purchased through cash donations McNay solicited from town businesses and organizations, will be supplied to those stores willing to stay open.
McNay also is encouraging town residents who would rather not open their doors to kids on Halloween night to get in on the act by donating their candy to the “Scott St. Scare.”
In return, she will provide participating home owners with a sign they can post that directs trick-or-treaters downtown for candy.
“The majority of [home owners] I’ve had phone calls from think this is a great idea,” McNay noted.
“My big push right now is for them to donate their candy, not their money,” she stressed.
Meanwhile, McNay also is putting the final touches to a kids’ Halloween dance slated to get underway at 6 p.m. on Halloween night at the local Legion.
Admission is free, with food and drinks also being supplied.
“The Legion has donated the hall until 9 p.m., Robin’s Donuts has donated ‘Robin’s Eggs,’ and McDonald’s is giving us the drinks,” said McNay.
“There will also be a DJ and a costume judging contest at 7:30 p.m.,” she added, noting Mayor Glenn Witherspoon was among the five judges slated to be on hand.
McNay is urging parents to come along with their children to enjoy the fun. She stressed although the event will be chaperoned by volunteers, it won’t be a baby-sitting service for children who come unaccompanied by an adult.
“And I am still looking for more volunteers to help out at the Legion and just volunteer in general,” she added.
Anyone interested in donating treats to the “Scott St. Scare” can drop off them at Masquerade Costume Rentals (located in the Crozier Warehouse) or call McNay at 274-2879 to have it picked up.
Interested volunteers also are asked to contact her.