Downtown trick or treat making a comeback

Main Street Studios, The Brick Ballroom and local churches have come together to organize a downtown trick or treat event on Halloween.

More than 30 local businesses will be passing out candy from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, according to Heather Lanker, owner of The Brick Ballroom. In addition, churches have come together to host carnival games along Broadway Street, and the Wild Wilderness Safari in Gentry will provide camel rides and a petting zoo.

Families will be able to have their photos taken for free during the event by local photographers Luke Davis, owner of Main Street Studio; Kari Kidd, owner of Kari Kidd Photography; and Mary Kim, owner of Captured by Mary.

Downtown trick or treating has been going on for decades in Siloam Springs and brings back a sense of nostalgia for many, according to Lanker. However, the number of participants has fallen since Main Street Siloam Springs stopped organizing the event a few years ago. Lanker said that Davis approached her earlier this year about reviving the tradition, so the two business owners partnered with Jason Kelly, lead pastor of New Heights Church, to organize the event.

Sam's Club donated thousands of pieces of candy for the event this year to help offset the cost for small businesses and in the future Lanker hopes to find even more sponsorship.

For more information and updates about the event, visit the Siloam Springs Downtown Trick or Treat Facebook group page.

General News on 10/28/2018