MAINia returns to downtown
Published 10:19 am Wednesday, October 25, 2017
For two decades, downtown Winchester has been a go-to spot for Halloween trick-or-treating.
This year will continue the tradition of Halloween MAINia as businesses handing out treats to all who come, though construction at the county courthouse will throw a slight wrinkle into the festivities.
Beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, Main Street will be closed to allow everyone to roam freely and safely from Lexington Avenue to Washington Street, Winchester Main Street Director Rachel Alexander said.
So far, 20 businesses have have signed up to offer treats, whether candy or non-food options, she said, though that number will likely grow in the coming days.
“We usually have more than those that sign up,” she said.
Several businesses will have teal pumpkins on display, indicating they are offering non-food treats, she said, as an alternative for those with severe food allergies.
Alexander said she expects about 1,500 people to participate, after businesses reported giving out up to 2,000 pieces of candy in previous Halloween MAINias.
Lynn Toler will also be downtown, playing appropriate music for the day as well.
“The fire department and police department will be downtown with candy and interacting,” Alexander said, “so there’s no safer place to be. It’s just very relaxed and fun.”