‘Scott Street Scare’ falling into place

With only two weeks to go before little ghosts and goblins take to the streets in search of treats, the organizer of the fifth-annual “Scott Street Scare” said the event is shaping up to be as good as, if not better than, last year.
“This is the first time in five years I’ve been this ready,” Sandra McNay, owner of Masquerade Costume and Novelty, noted this morning.
“I’m just in the middle of phoning businesses right now. But as of today, we have 23 confirmed and I’m only halfway down the list,” she added.
“The donations from the businesses have been generous. And I’ve got businesses that have never participated before on board,” McNay remarked.
On the other hand, McNay said she’s hasn’t heard so much as a boo from residents who might want to donate candy or cash to the event, which will run from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Oct. 31.
In exchange, the residents will get a sign they can post in their window, saying they’ve given to the “Scott Street Scare” and directing trick-or-treaters to go downtown instead of knocking on their door.
“I’d like to stress that if people want to get a poster or drop off cash, they have to drop by Masquerade,” McNay said, noting her costume shop is now located at 298 Portage Ave.
Those who want to donate candy can find drop-off sites at Masquerade, Canada Safeway, and Canadian Tire.
Given last year’s turnout, McNay said she needs enough candy for about 1,000 trick-or-treaters.
Like last year, the corridor of candy will stretch from Pizza Connection to Safeway. But a slight concern of McNay’s is what condition Scott Street will be in by Oct. 31.
“I wish they’d get the street fixed,” she said, noting she’s been told temperatures have to get milder before the third lift of asphalt can be added to the 200-400 blocks.
“If it isn’t, it could be pretty scary,” McNay warned.
McNay also said more volunteers aren’t needed to man the intersections at Mowat, Portage, and Victoria Avenues, where north and southbound traffic will not be blocked off.
She noted the Borderland Thunder possibly will helping out there, as well as some Muskie hockey players.
In related news, Kitowski Trucking will carry on its tradition of setting up a spooky trailer where costumed youngsters can get treats, too.
Starting at 5 p.m. on Hallowe’en night, a trailer decorated with music, lights, and scary surprises will be in the parking lot of McDonald’s Restaurant, where volunteers will be handing out bags of goodies to trick-or-treaters.
“Things are going great,” said organizer Kim Miller, who’s been involved with the trailer since its inception in 1999. “There’s got to be close to 60 businesses who will be involved.”
Please see “‘Scott,’”