Downtown Chesterton was overrun on October 30th with witches, creepers, and ghouls going building to building in search of candy to plunder. No need to alert the townsfolk though: they were all there, clad in their finest costumes for the annual Duneland Chamber of Commerce Trick or Treat Event. It is all fun and no fright when the community gets together.
The turnout this year was by far the greatest of any year past. The lines stretched down the street. The live music, warm s'mores, and buckets of candy helped to keep kids and their parents patient.
Each business in Chesterton could choose whether or not to participate by handing out candy to the kids. Those who did not have a brick and mortar location downtown was invited to put a booth in the Chamber of Commerce parking lot. Most companies wanted in on the fun.
Zoe Verheaghe, daughter of the owner of Red Cup, expressed how excited their restaurant was. “Halloween is our favorite and it’s great. This builds the community.”
The yearly event certainly is about community. It is free for families to attend, and let’s everyone get a more personal view of their town’s economics. “I’m glad that they do this,” said mother Marie Gonzalez. “I like that there is a safe way to trick or treat. And it is great for the littler ones who get tired walking from house to house.”
The YMCA had a booth set up on the lot. “We love to be a huge part of the community,” said School-Aged Camp Coordinator Sally Gabric. “So this was a great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy Halloween.”
NorthShore Health Centers passed out toothpaste and brushes to remind children of their dental health. Lead Community Outreach Coordinator Denise Carpenter said, “We are here because we recently opened in Chesterton and we enjoy seeing the town.” Denise was rocking a light up robot costume and an even brighter smile. Every member of her new community got an individual greeting.
The Downtown Trick or Treating required a little bit of help from everyone in order to succeed and the town’s businesses were more than happy to contribute. The Duneland Chamber of Commerce merely brought them all together. “We always love doing community events,” said representative Ashley Hawkins. “As an organization that services the community, this was a gesture to them that we could not pass up. Plus we love seeing all these smiling faces.”