Ghouls, scary creatures, and superheroes filled Main Street in Kutztown for the Kutztown Optimist Club’s annual Merchant Trick-Or-Treat Night on Oct. 25.
Thousands from near and far came out for the kid-friendly Halloween event that closed off Main Street from College Blvd. to Constitution.
“It’s gotten pretty big. There were thousands of people,” said Kutztown Optimist Club past president Garret Miller, MC of the event for the past 15 years or so.
Miller said the parking lots and streets surrounding Main Street were all filled.
“This was more people than we’ve had. It’s a pretty big event,” said Miller.
Miller credits the event’s success to the members of the Optimist Club and their camaraderie.
“It’s all about the kids,” he said.
Miller said Merchant Trick-Or-Treat offers a place for children to have a safe Halloween event and offers merchants a way to connect with community, all while the streets are closed off to traffic so everyone can celebrate the Halloween holiday safely.
Businesses along Main Street stood out front of their doors, dressed in costumes, handing out candy to the many children Trick-or-Treating.
Kutztown firefighters, Northeastern Berks EMS and Kutztown Ambulance brought vehicles and gear, offered sweet treats. Police officers rode bicycles up and down Main Street keeping an eye on the costumed ghouls.
“Working together with other community service organizations and firefighters and police make sure it’s safe and successful event,” said Miller. “We want to keep it safe.”
Kutztown area organizations and Kutztown University clubs were among those to welcome the Trick-or-Treaters. Even Avalanche the Golden Bear, the Kutztown University Golden Bear mascot, joined in the fun, as well as popular characters like Minions and Nemo.
A highlight of the night is the annual Optimist Club Costume Contest. Prizes were given out to the top three in each category such as scariest, most creative and couples.
“There were so many good costumes,” he said.
Miller said the club thanks the merchants for supporting the club on this night and thanks the sponsors of the costume contest and for providing prizes.
“Without their participation it wouldn’t be as successful of an event.”