Olde Towne Safe Trick-or-Treat Celebrates 10th Year

Sandy Harris had a dream.  She wanted to see kids come to Portsmouth for trick or treating.  After all, she remembers what Halloween was like for her as a kid. 

Harris and LeAnn Amory came up with the idea of creating Halloween memories for the children in Portsmouth.  That's was when the idea of 'Safe Trick-or-Treat' was born.  Over the years, the event has steadily grown.  This year, the event celebrates its; tenth year.

The annual Halloween tradition takes place on Saturday, October 29th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  High Street will be packed with little ghouls and goblins! 

Every year the little ghosts and goblins come.  Some by foot.  Others by car or van. Some even arrive by ferry. 

They come with fathers, mothers, grandparents, aunts and uncles.  The real small ones come in a stroller or are pulled in a wagon.  Some come with neighbors and others come with friends.

The kids come year-after-year.  They all say the same thing. Trick or Treat. 

This year, over 10,000 'Trick-or-Treaters' are expected to come to Olde Towne Portsmouth for the annual 'Safe Trick-or-Treat', sponsored by the Olde Towne Business Association.

This free Halloween event is attended annually by people from across Hampton Roads.  Local businesses along the High Street corridor, from Effingham Street to the Elizabeth River waterfront, will pass out candy to children up to age 12. 

Ample parking will be available at no cost in the City garages on Middle Street and Court Street.  At both parking garages, donations of blankets, coats and non-perishable food will be collected on behalf of OASIS Commission on Social Ministry.

The success of this event is due in a large part to the Portsmouth Police Department and Sheriff's Department.

Harris, a kid at heart, is the chairperson for the event.  She is co-owner of Amore's Casual Italian on High Street.  “The Olde Towne 'Safe Trick-or-Treat' is for the kids,” says Harris.  “It’s about candy and fun, but most importantly, it’s about community,” she states.  She's right.  It's all about the community.  That's why they come - year-after-year.

 

What to help the Olde Towne Business Association?

Like most organizations, the Olde Towne Business Association strives to raise money for worthwhile events.  In order to serve such a large audience, the Olde Towne Business Association is in need of candy or monetary donations.  The last thing the organization wants to see is a shortfall in the amount of candy needed to take care of all the children.

Both types of donations will be collected at Amore Casual Italian, 606 High Street, Portsmouth from Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Checks can also be mailed to the Olde Towne Business Association at P. O. Box 1400, Portsmouth, VA 23705.

For more information about this event, or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Sandy Harris at 757.718.3755.

 

About the Olde Towne Business Association

The Olde Towne Business Association has over 100 members including hotels, restaurants, shops and service businesses in Portsmouth.  

For more information, contact Judi MacDougall at 757.405.3500.   You can visit the OTBA webaite at www.OldeTownePortsmouth.com

 

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Thanks for reading and sharing...'A New Day in Olde Towne'.

Have a great day!

David Cartier

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