An ocean of Halloween decor hits first, then costumes can be seen traversing the square. The Halloween music hits, along with the smell of pizza, baked goods, or tea, depending on the direction walked. Parents are with their kids as they go door to door at each business.
On Halloween, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Huntley Community hosts a trick-or-treating event around the town square. Each business participates, handing out candy and whatever they have to offer: baked goods, lunchtime meals, drinks.
It is hosted when most students are in school, making it aimed at younger kids.
“This is a really good opportunity for the kids [who] aren’t quite old enough to go out on the streets at night,” said Jerry Keppler, who is a part of the community response team with the Huntley Police Department.
Attendee Savannah Neubauer brings her kids to both trick-or-treating events, but she has another reason as to why trick-or-treating in the square may be better.
“It gets really cold at night, so last year when we came to this event, it was great, they got her candy, [but] it [got] so cold we only went to a few houses,” Neubauer said.
Halloween is bound to be cold, considering it is at the end of October. Instead of taking kids through the dark and cold version of trick-or-treating, they could go in the square.
“One of the nice things about Huntley is we all work really well together,” Keppler said.
Not only is this event beneficial for the community members, but for the community businesses as well. It allows them to have a day of business opportunities, as well as see the smiles and connectedness in the community.
Clerk Kelli Storm has worked at Morkes for three years, attending the event each year.
“I love [the event] because it brings activity, it makes it fun [and] more acquaint, and separates us from other towns,” Storm said. “I love seeing the vibrancy and the liveliness when we do these kinds of events.”
The chilly afternoon brought families and businesses together for a Halloween night filled with candy, smiles, and fun.
