Local shops welcome costumed crowds ahead of Halloween

Kids of all ages had a chance to test run their Halloween costumes, collect candy and celebrate spooky season Saturday at a massive lineup of events hosted by Evanston business districts.

Downtown Evanston’s Trick or Treat Stroll featured sweets and other goodies at participating businesses. The event kicked off at Fountain Square, where participants could pick up a map, visit sponsor booths and take photos in front of a fall-themed backdrop.

Downtown marketing director Laura Brown said about 800 people attended. “It was a very successful event,” said Brown. “We love welcoming so many families into downtown to explore our local businesses, and we’re so appreciative of the businesses for making the event a success.”

Across town, Spooky Saturday returned to the Main-Dempster Mile, with trick-or-treating at many businesses. The festivities continued at a delightfully frightful Spooky Saturday Block Party in the City Volkswagen parking lot. Kids showed off their costumes in a parade, and pet owners of all ages entered their furry friends in a pet costume contest. The highly anticipated pumpkin decorating contest put local artistic talent on display, too.

Up north, the Central Street Trick or Treat featured a candy stroll with stops at more than 40 businesses from 1703 to 3001 Central. New this year was the West End Kids’ Fest, which featured a scavenger hunt, games, crafts, face painting and a DJ.

Coming up later this week, Halloween on Howard Street/Callan Plaza will kick off at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, with free food, candy, a costume contest and an outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus.…Read more by Heidi Randhava