In a long-standing tradition, spanning over 40 years, members of the Parsons community have shown up each year in costume to trick or treat through downtown.
Businesses and organizations lined Main Street with decorated tables and an abundance of candy to distribute. The event was started by Commercial Bank. Marketing Director Rayma Gegg said this event could not be done without the support of the community’s other businesses and organizations.
“I think that is what is so moving about the whole event — is watching so many parts of the community come together to do something positive for the youth in our area.
Gegg said the event serves as a family-friendly and safe environment for the local children.
“We’re just so excited to have the privilege to continue doing this for the community and for the kids,” Gegg said.
Gegg said the event planning takes place all year, with the bulk of planning occurring over the summer. She noted that the event is always on a Thursday, roughly a week before Halloween.
“I live in anticipation for this night all year long, just because of all the smiles, the kids in their costumes, and it’s really exciting to see the ones who win the big prizes at the end,” Gegg said. “We know we’re making a difference by bringing a little bright spot to their lives. How can you have a better memory than just putting a smile on a kid’s face?”
Michelle Wolgamott, an event coordinator, said she also enjoys seeing members of the community having a good time. She said the event is also fun for the adults.
“The parents seem to get as much enjoyment out of it as the kids do,” Wolgamott said. “The community involvement shows that in a town of our size, just how many people love to get involved. It’s great for the community.”
Mayor Verlyn Bolinger said he enjoys seeing the various costumes that children and some adults wear through the march.
“We always have fun with this,” Bolinger said. “It’s been a good thing. It’s a great event for the community every year.” This year’s raffle items included a basketball goal, a trampoline, 20-inch bikes for both boys and girls, a camping bundle with tents and lawn chairs, a family game night bundle, a movie night bundle, a craft bundle, an outdoor game bundle, and a wagon filled with activities.
Gegg said each year, organizations and individuals donate toward funding these prizes.
Gegg said in her estimates, there were over 1,000 children present, and that attendance was slightly up this year due to good weather. “I think the event was hugely successful,” Gegg said of this year’s event.
To learn more about Commercial Bank, visit https://www. facebook.com/commercialbankks.
See more photos of this event on Page 12.
