By Jodi Harmon, Events & Celebrations Committee
Trick or Treat on Main Street is one of my favorite events in Stafford. I tell everyone I know
about it and am always shocked when people have made other plans for that day. I just expect everyone to love it as much as I do and make the day the focus of their whole October! I often find myself explaining it to those who have never attended as a trick-or-treat event, but not just for kids. It’s for everyone!
Hundreds of kids of all ages walk down the short stretch of Main Street, getting treats, not tricks. The businesses bear a large brunt of the expense of having to buy candy (I bought 1,500 pieces, and I still ran out early), which is tough, but over the years, a few things have changed for the better. Since 2017, kindhearted folks have begun to donate candy ahead of time. The ECC now takes collections of individually wrapped candy and uses it to supplement businesses that run out early, misjudge the amount they need, or just aren’t prepared for the sheer volume of people.
The other great thing is that more businesses, organizations, and groups (not physically located on Main Street) now ask to join the downtown fun. This year, we had over 35 groups set up tents and tables to distribute candy, which means more candy is going out to kids.
And it’s not always just candy. Some businesses give out stickers, toys, rings, pencils, and
more. I personally see kids get a bit more excited about some of those items being handed out rather than the candy. Or maybe it’s just because I buy cheap candy!
But why is it such a fun event? Because everyone gets involved. Sure, the focus is on the kids
and giving them treats. But just as many adults dress up as kids. Families have themes. Dogs
are in costumes. A small pony has even made an appearance in the past few years. It is truly
an event for all ages. This year, the popular costumes were Beetlejuice characters and Mario
brothers. Kids have homemade costumes, store-bought costumes, and inflatable costumes, and they are all amazing. Everyone walks the street enjoying the moment of recognition of a
costume or realizing your friend or neighbor is under that mask. The Stafford High School band played a few tunes on the Haymarket stage this year. The garden club hosted their
scarecrow voting contest at the event, and this year, the Stafford Arts Commission did a
fundraiser with whipped cream pies thrown at the face of the chairperson. The "Ghostbusters ambulance" and a vintage Stafford fire truck were on display. McKinney Construction had vintage cars and animatronics going in their parking lot. Everyone brings something to the day, and it’s all for the enjoyment of others.
Community is why I love this event. It’s also why I love Stafford. I think when folks attend Trick
or Treat on Main or any of our other ECC events, they see how much spirit our small town has and realize that Stafford is a great place to live.
Not sure you can make the walk or have mobility issues? Several businesses have windowed storefronts where you can take a seat and watch the costumes walk by. With
good weather, you can even take a seat in the park and watch from there.