The fifth-annual “Scott Street Scare” once again will give little ghosts and goblins a safe and easy way to get their goodies on Hallowe’en.
As such, candy donations from local residents, businesses, and service clubs are now being accepted.
“I think the businesses must have gotten their letters about it [Wednesday] because the phone calls have been coming in since then,” said organizer Sandra McNay, owner of Masquerade Costume and Novelty, now located at 298 Portage Ave.
“So far, so good. But the donations of candy are welcome anytime now,” she noted, adding drop-off sites include Masquerade, Canada Safeway, and Canadian Tire.
Given last year’s turnout, McNay said she needs enough candy for about 1,000 trick-or-treaters.
“A lot of people like to donate candy to this and then don’t have to worry about giving it out at their home,” she remarked.
Those who donate candy to the “Scott Street Scare” can get a sign to put in their windows to notify trick-or-treaters they already have given to the cause.
Likewise, there also will be signs at participating businesses to let youngsters know which of them are handing out candy Hallowe’en night.
Like last year, the corridor of candy will stretch from Pharmasave to Safeway, and involve not only downtown businesses but the OPP and Fort Frances Fire Department.
“They’re great. They always come out. And if there’s any problems, they’re right there,” said McNay, stressing kids and parents alike can expect the same well-run event as in past years.
“It’s pretty much the same as last year, except for the fact [my business is] now downtown. There was some talk of a street dance, but kids don’t want to dance, they want candy,” noted McNay.
“Last year, we had 33 businesses involved. There should be three or more new ones this year, including my own, of course.”
McNay also said volunteers are needed, particularly to man the intersections at Mowat, Portage, and Victoria Avenues where north and southbound traffic will not be blocked off.
“Scott Street Scare” will run from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31.
For more info, call McNay at 274-2208.
In related news, while Scott Street will be bustling with everything from Harry Potter to ghastly ghouls Hallowe’en night, Kitowski Trucking will carry on its tradition of having a spooky trailer where costumed youngsters can get treats, too.
Starting at 5 p.m. on Oct. 31, a trailer decorated with music, lights, and scary surprises will be at the McDonald’s Restaurant parking lot, where volunteers will be handing out bags of goodies to trick-or-treaters.
“I think the kids really look forward to it,” said organizer Kim Miller, who’s been involved with the trailer of frights since its inception in 1999.
While details still are being sorted out, one sure thing is everyone who drops by is requested to bring along a non-perishable food item for the local Salvation Army’s food bank.
Miller noted she’ll also be contacting local businesses—particularly in the west and north ends of town—for donations of candy or cash to buy candy.
Everyone who has given will have their name on a piece of paper in every bag. She usually prepares for about 1,000 trick-or-treaters, as well.
Any leftover candy is given to the Salvation Army, Miller added, which goes into Christmas hampers.