Carrie A. Moritz, Garretson Gazette
Next Monday is Halloween, a day all young ghosts and ghouls look forward to each year! That day, Garretson will become Halloween town, with trick or treating happening downtown, in Split Rock Park, and at all doors with front lights turned on.
Starting off the festivities will be the Garretson Commercial Club's 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat at Split Rock Park, where organizations, businesses, and individuals are invited to set up and decorate a trunk or a vehicle in an open camping spot prior to 4:30 p.m. There is no charge to set up, but sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis on the day of the event. Any of the sites prior to the parking lot will be available for use as long as it’s not reserved, with RV sites going first. Decorators are welcome to start setting up as early as they wish.
From 4:30 until 6:15 p.m., ghosts, goblins, and ghouls will descend upon the park for treats. The Garretson FFA will be there with Halloween activities and possibly some animals, and the Commercial Club will be showing off the E-bike and selling tickets for the raffle they are currently holding.
Businesses will be open and inviting trick or treaters from 4:30-6:15 as well, with specials and candy available as they continue the Trunk or Treat trail through town.
Capping off the candy-palooza will be the annual evening of trick or treating around town from around 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 or 8:30 p.m.
Anyone driving into or around town between the hours of 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. should be cautious, as young people may be darting into streets.
The key for a successful Halloween event is to be creative and have fun while keeping the community safe, and to encourage everyone to keep an eye out for each other. Drive slowly and watch the streets for little goblins that may dash out in front of you. Parents are encouraged to use reflective gear, lights, or bright colors on their children so they are more easily seen, and those with older children who may trick or treat alone are encouraged to have a conversation with them regarding safety and etiquette prior to the events.
The Commercial Club also wants to remind the community that the trunk or treat event is weather permitting. As of press time, it appears there is no rain forecasted, and temperatures are predicted to be normal with a high of 60 degrees.
