Hundreds of families flooded into Kutztown’s Main Street Oct. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. for the annual Merchant Trick or Treat.
The usually busy road was closed from College Boulevard to Constitution Boulevard – roughly half a mile. Tables run by local community organizations and businesses and Kutztown University student organizations lined both sidewalks.
Most tables handed out candy. Some also provided activities, such as face painting or corn hole.
Kutztown University’s Quidditch team erected colorful hoops. When a child tossed a ball through a hoop, he or she received a piece of candy.
“The university gives a lot to us students. We’re here to give back,” said Quidditch team member Sara Wingert, 20.
Wingert’s team is one of 53 student organizations that participated.
The majority of Kutztown’s businesses also attended. Orthodontists, travel agents, hair stylists and even the local fire department handed out goodies.
The line for Trinity Church’s haunted house stretched across the street.
Several shops used the Trick or Treat to promote their business. Pretzel Revolution and Pop’s Malt Shoppe sold snacks to the crowd. Italian restaurant Mama’s Delight handed out pencils and take-out menus.
“It brings the whole neighborhood together,” said Brian Koller, 56, the owner of Mr. Food convenience store. Koller has participated in the Trick or Treat for many years.
He added that the Trick or Treat “really seems to be growing.”
The Kutztown Merchant’s Association originally founded the Merchant Trick or Treat in the 1980s.
The Kutztown Borough Council revived the event in 2005. That year, according to Mayor Sandy Green, participants handed out only a few hundred pieces of candy and took extra home.
Now, groups bring between 2,000 and 4,000 pieces. Many still run out before 8 p.m.
The Kutztown Optimist Club took over the Trick or Treat a few years ago. This club provides programs for children in Kutztown, Fleetwood, and Brandywine Heights school district areas.
The Optimist Club organized the costume competition. Participants of all ages pushed into a police-taped “arena” to compete for titles such as most creative, best couple and scariest.
Keri Overcast, 31, grew up in Kutztown. She traveled to attend the Trick or Treat with her three young children. She remembers childhood trick or treating in town as safe and friendly.
“I don’t think Halloween has changed here,” said Overcast, “and that’s what I love.”
