Family-friendly Halloween fun will be up for offer at Brooksville Main Street’s Downtown Trick or Treat, set to be celebrated from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Kids will be invited to trick or treat at businesses throughout downtown Brooksville as a part of what is quickly becoming a seasonal tradition here in Hernando County—one that is free and open to the public.
“Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, we are able to put on this free public event,” said Allisa Babor, design committee co-chair of Brooksville Main Street. “Attendees can trick or treat at downtown businesses as well as with select businesses in front of the courthouse on Main Street.”
A fun-filled costume contest will also be part of the proceedings, as will a variety of creative Halloween crafts, games, photo opportunities, contests, and more. And as folks show off their Halloween best, they will be visiting and supporting local shops and restaurants in the downtown area.
“Brooksville Main Street is looking forward to another Downtown Trick or Treat! We love sharing our downtown and providing a safe, family-friendly trick or treat, free to the community,” said Mandi Dixon, Board Member of Brooksville Main Street.
Babor sees this holiday as a true treat for the Hernando community. “This event was started with the goal of bringing the community together to enjoy the start of the holiday season while also getting to know the businesses of downtown Brooksville,” she said. “Thanks to our generous sponsors, we are able to keep this event completely free with candy for all!”
“We are SO excited about our annual Downtown Brooksville Trick or Treat this year!” said Barry Meindl, design committee co-chair of Brooksville Main Street. “It will be October 28 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and we’re looking forward to it being bigger and better than ever!”
Businesses register in advance to participate in this event, which has evolved into a popular annual happening in Brooksville. Trick-or-treaters turn out in a vast variety of costumes, including cops, witches, vampires, comic book characters, fairies, dragons, clowns, pirates, superheroes, princesses, cats, robots, zombies and many more. A Big Foot sighting took place last year, and a human broccoli stalk was seen in evidence at the same event.
Trick-or-treating as an American tradition claims its origins in the 1930s, when the organized, community-based practice was designed to curtail instances of pranking and mischief on Halloween night. And while many trick or treat activities were curtailed during World War II when the enforced practice of sugar rationing put a halt to candy distribution, the postwar baby boomers reintroduced the custom into American culture. Today, Americans spend about $3.1 billion on Halloween candy.
The trick or treat tradition continues wonderfully this year in downtown Brooksville, where All Hallow’s Eve is truly for all.
“We are grateful for this day of fun with the Brooksville Main Street district and our neighbors,” said Babor. “Bring your family and friends downtown to enjoy trick-or-treating, games, a costume contest, and more as you explore Brooksville with your neighbors.”
