Nearly a thousand Duneland area children filled the streets of Chesterton and Porter during the Duneland Chamber’s second annual Trick or Treat Downtown event.

Participating businesses placed orange event flyers in their windows, signaling trick-or-treaters to stop in and score pieces of candy, stickers, temporary tattoos, toys or other giveaways.

“It was amazing,” said Mara Wible, an employee of Chelle’s fashion boutique, which participated in the event Friday, October 26. “We passed out more than 800 pieces of candy, and our neighbor gave out over 900 pieces before running out. We made sure the kids only took one piece each, so there had to be close to a thousand children at the event.”

“We were slammed,” said Merribeth Conyne of Regal Rabbit, a culinary store located in Indian Oak Mall. “I bought so many bags of candy, and this is all I have left,” she said, holding out a nearly-empty bowl with a half-hour still remaining for the event, which officially ran from 4 to 6 p.m.

The following day, Duneland children and their families were given another opportunity to celebrate Halloween during the Chamber’s Pumpkin Palooza event – festivities marking the end of the 2012 European Market season.

Children enjoyed free hayrides and pumpkin decorating, trick or treating with Market Merchants, and a costume contest.

“The kids really went all-out with their costumes this year,” said Allyson Baughman, Market Manager. “We actually had to create new categories, because we simply couldn’t stick with just one winner. This is always a bittersweet event. On one hand, it’s a joy to see the community come out and enjoy one last Market Saturday. But it’s also sad to think about the Market closing down for year. Thankfully we still have our Mistletoe Market to look forward to on December 1.”

For more information about future Duneland Chamber of Commerce events, please call the Chamber at (219) 926-5513, or e-mail info@chestertonchamber.org

Posted 10/29/2012