Little ghosts and goblins are sure to fill the City Center just a day before they take to the streets of Ironton during the Ironton Business Association’s annual Safe Trick-or-Treat.

Saturday, October 14, 2000

Little ghosts and goblins are sure to fill the City Center just a day before they take to the streets of Ironton during the Ironton Business Association’s annual Safe Trick-or-Treat.

The Halloween eve event will be 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30, IBA co-president Lou Pyles said.

"This is an event the IBA sponsors each year to show our appreciation to the people who come to our town and support our businesses," Mrs. Pyles said. "It’s a very safe event for the children and parents who attend and it’s a fun time for everyone involved. We always have some real sweethearts that visit us."

Youngsters come to the occasion dressed in their costumes and roam from one business booth to the next similar to the way they would during residential trick-or-treating, she added.

"The City Center is always decorated for the occasion just like many of the homes are on Halloween night," she said. "The public raves about the fact that they don’t have to worry about their kids crossing the streets. Many parents tell us they only bring the little ghosts and goblins to our event and not to the residential trick-or-treat."

She said turnout is always good.

"We always have several hundred kids that show up for this," she said. "Usually by about 5:15 p.m., they’re lined up for about two city blocks outside waiting to get in. And, the kids are constantly coming through the doors."

Several of the area’s businesses are a big attraction, she added.

"Papa John’s will be there giving out pizza and that’s always a big attraction," Mrs. Pyles said. "There will also be all kinds of candy that will be available for the kids."

Several businesses will have other activities planned after the series of events, she said.

"Following the Safe Trick-or-Treat, the Rotary will sponsor a Halloween parade," she said. "We encourage all the children who attend the safe trick-or-treat to show the public their costumes during the parade at 7 p.m., but we try to keep all of this for our younger children."