Candy police?

Halloween a treat for local kids

  • Office Tara Arnett with the Spruce Pine Police Department handed out candy to hundreds of trick-or-treaters on Saturday night. While some kids were dog-gone-tired, others enjoyed the candy shoot at DT’s Blue Ridge Java. Parents and kids alike enjoyed the evening in Spruce Pine and Bakersville. (MNJ Photos/Rachel Hoskins)
    Office Tara Arnett with the Spruce Pine Police Department handed out candy to hundreds of trick-or-treaters on Saturday night. While some kids were dog-gone-tired, others enjoyed the candy shoot at DT’s Blue Ridge Java. Parents and kids alike enjoyed the evening in Spruce Pine and Bakersville. (MNJ Photos/Rachel Hoskins)

    Spruce Pine streets were lined with cars and people on Saturday night for the annual Halloween Main Street Trick -or -Treating. The first major event since the onset of COVID-19 in April of 2020, Spruce Pine Main Street Executive Director Libby Philips said she was extremely pleased with the turn out.

    “I thought it was fantastic,” said Phillips. “We were unsure about what to expect. It’s always a well-attended event and after a year off from COVID, we expected a huge crowd.”

    The crowd exceeded those expectations. Downtown streets were packed as over a dozen merchants participated in the event with candy stations along Oak and Locust Streets.

    “SPMS handed out over 5,000 pieces of candy to goblins from 4:30 until 7 p.m. The streets were packed, restaurants were packed during and after the event,” said Phillips. “I think it was a great turn out.”

    This was the third year for the costume contest with the largest number of contestants ever. More than 100 costumes were entered for a chance to win a fun Halloween basket of goodies.  The SPMS public relations committee also tallied “votes” for the best scarecrow in town with the winner going to the 3 Witches at Treasures in the Pines.

    Costume contest winners were: Best couple/group, Morgan and Jason Hall and family- Coco; most original, Waylon Sullins in his 1940s private detective attire; funniest, Christina and Eddy Brown as Flo and Jamie from the Progressive commercial; scariest, Hady Willis as a Scary Voodoo Doll; and best pet, Roxy the Beagle.

    In Bakersville the heavy rain held off while families enjoyed trick-or-treating throughout the downtown area.  Heather Garland, of Young’s Fuel, said they, “had the best time ever.”

    The new office located at 215 Crimson Laurel Way gave out 755 treat bags throughout the evening.

    “We scared, and we tricked and we treated,” said Garland. “It was the biggest treat ever. We were so thrilled and so privileged to be a part of the evening. Everyone had fun.”

    Patti Jensen, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, said it was a great evening for both towns.

      “Both communities’ merchants were generous in their participation and it was fun to see many of the merchants dress up as well,” said Jensen.