Palmer Chamber sees large turnout during annual Trick or Treat Treat event

PALMER — Ghosts, ghouls, and goblins scurried across the streets of downtown Palmer during the annual Trick or Treat Street community event Friday, October 29.

Local families from across the Valley enjoyed a full evening of spooky activities and free candy provided by 39 participating businesses. The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce hosts this event every year to help every visiting child have a fun, festive, and safe time during the holiday.

There was a large turnout during this year’s Trick or Treat Street, showcasing an exceptionally eclectic and colorful spectrum of costumes.

“As I spoke with businesses today about it everyone was so thrilled with the turnout and we all agreed that the best part is seeing all of the cuties in their costumes,” Palmer Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ailis Vann said. “We are already scheming for next year to make the event bigger and better than ever.

Whether it was getting their pictures taken at the haunted photo booth at the Palmer Depot, finding a scary story at Fireside Books, or talking to local firefighters in front of their flashing vehicles, there was a little bit of everything going on around town.

“It was a huge success. This is such a fun event for families. It’s wonderful that all of our businesses stay open later to allow local kids to come and trick or treat in a fun and safe environment,” Vann said.

Several participating businesses set up booths outside their facilities, offering free goodies and games to the cheery, candy coveting trick or treaters wearing costumes of all shapes and sizes. There was even a tractor pulling a hay wagon filled with giddy children around town throughout the event.

NonEssentials co-owner Heidi Sena handed out candy from a booth outside the store, enjoying the festive and fun-loving atmosphere.

“The costumes are so cute, and all the kids are so happy. Everybody is so happy about it, that’s my favorite thing,” Sena said. “I love it and I wish we could have more events like this all year long.”

Sena said that she was glad that she was able to spend the evening alongside the neighbor shop owners and staff members. She said they’re always looking out for each other while assisting the general public throughout the year, and Halloween makes that community camaraderie all the sweeter, seeing sugar-coated smiles around every corner.

“This is a nice way to get it done in one fell swoop. Some people don’t want big surges of crowds. This is a good alternative,” Sena said. “It’s really nice to be able to do this for them.”

This event serves as a fundraiser for the Mat-Su Special Santa Program. There were several opportunities for visitors to donate during the event. Those interested and helping the annual Christmas gift program can still support the annual Christmas gift organization’s efforts in providing toys to children across the Valley by visiting their website and making an online donation at specialsanta.net.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com