BY JENN SAMSEL
Special to the Monitor
South Lawrence Boulevard (State Road 21) from Dunkin Doughnuts to city hall shut down for trick-or-treaters during the city’s Boo-On-the-Boulevard event on Thursday, October 31.
The streets were packed on both sides of the road, and many people patiently waited to grab treats, filling their bags or buckets with candy. Even the doggies got something.
The event gets bigger and better each year. There was a fun photo booth, several food truck vendors, and a band this year.
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Even the sheriff’s office joined in on the fun, with their car decorated. One officer was in a fun dinosaur costume while the rest of the staff ensured the streets stayed safe.
“It was a very refreshing evening!” said Janice Goetzman, a Woman’s Club Board Member. “Beautiful weather, and unlike experiences in the past, it was nice to have trick-or-treaters who were polite and respectful and parents accompanying them appreciatively. The costumes were unique, and it was nice to see many homemade ones.”
Realtor Todd Beals, whose office is across Lawrence Boulevard from city hall, said that in his eight years of participating in the event, this year’s Boo was the best.
“We had more businesses this year that asked if they could have a spot in front of our office than ever before,” he said. “The turnout of people was amazing. We heard nothing but positive feedback from everybody that we talked to. We walked around to the different food trucks and asked them how they felt about the event, and we got all positive feedback, some that said they brought extra stuff and almost sold out. So, in my opinion, it was a huge success for everyone.”
The president of the Rotary Club and an active Kiwanian also credited the city with organizing the event, noting that public works personnel spent the day preparing for it.
Beals, who operates Team Beals—Lake Area Realtors with his wife, Debbie, added that he saw city council members walking the boulevard and interacting with trick-or-treaters.
Two blocks north, Patricia Hatch of Hatch Realty Services said the city did a wonderful job taking the event over from the Keystone Business Association.
“Family-friendly event for all ages,” she said. “It is a great small-town community, bringing laughter and fun for all ages. This event would never happen without our local business owners, organizations, and citizens. Our community is extremely devoted to service, and it is an honor to be a part of it.”
