Superheroes, ghouls, spooky dolls and more flooded downtown Montrose on Thursday as children and families walked the annual Candy Crawl. The annual trick-or-treating fest has historically taken place on Halloween morning, but this year, the event moved to the afternoon to allow for school-aged children to attend.
Over 60 local businesses and organizations partnered with the Montrose Downtown Area Revitalization Team (DART) on Halloween to turn Main Street into the family-friendly Halloween Candy Crawl. Kids and families gathered along Main Street for treats and activities, with participating businesses dishing out sweets for the trick-or-treaters.
At Centennial Plaza, families enjoyed a range of activities including a bounce house, inflatable slide and a mini pumpkin patch to pick from.
Local organizations were eager to connect with the community this Halloween.
DMEA’s marketing team member Paige Berry was excited to represent the cooperative in Centennial Plaza.
“We’re handing out candy and hosting a ring toss for the kids,” Berry said. “It’s great seeing the community come together like this.”
Hilltop Resource Center were also present, focusing on youth programs and services. Karen Funk of Hilltop described the family resource center’s new “Communities That Care” program.
“We work with high school students to provide resources that support their growth and decision-making,” Funke told the Montrose Business Times. “This event is a great chance to connect with families and show them what we’re here to do.”
West Slope Family Practice, a family-owned medical practice in Montrose, participated for the first time this year.
Provider Jackie Hardin said the event was an opportunity to engage with the community outside the clinic.
“My daughter loves kids, and she thought it’d be great to come out here and be active in the community,” she said. “The best part is seeing all the kids and families come together.”
Montrose DART credits the Greater Montrose Chamber of Commerce and the Botanical Gardens for candy donations, as well as DMEA, Communities That Care and West Slope Family Practice for offering activities in the Plaza.
The downtown trick-or-treat candy crawl is the only DART or City-led Halloween this week. Trick-or-treating is not planned for Saturday the 26, but Halloween-enthusiasts can stop by the Saturday Farmer’s Market for the Spooky Harvest Market.
