Alachua Trick-or-Treat on Main, Beetlejuice twist Oct. 26

ALACHUA ‒ This Halloween, Alachua is inviting families to a spooky yet family-friendly event that promises a memorable evening for trick-or-treaters of all ages. The annual Trick-or-Treat on Main and “Scarecrow Row” will return on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, with a special twist: this year’s theme is inspired by the classic 1988 movie “Beetlejuice.”

The event, organized by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and feature candy, costumes, and plenty of whimsical Halloween fun.

Annually, the Saturday before Halloween, Main Street Alachua is transformed into a pedestrian-friendly zone, allowing children to safely trick-or-treat from one decorated storefront to the next. Local businesses are participating by handing out candy to kids in costume, creating a vibrant trick-or-treating route along the heart of downtown.

“The trick-or-treating experience on Main Street is something families look forward to every year,” said Alachua Chamber of Commerce President Adam Boukari. “This year’s Beetlejuice theme is going to make the evening extra special, with businesses really going all out on their decorations. It’s a great way to bring our community together in a fun and safe way.”

In addition to the sweet treats being given away by local merchants, the Chamber has arranged for a photo booth featuring Beetlejuice offering a fun backdrop for capturing memories of the night.

Adding to the Halloween fun is the annual Scarecrow Row, a Chamber sponsored showcase of creative scarecrow displays lining Main Street. This year’s Beetlejuice theme has inspired local artists, businesses, and community groups to create scarecrows featuring iconic scenes and characters from the film, such as Beetlejuice himself, Lydia, and the eerie sandworms. From spooky to whimsical, the displays are sure to delight visitors of all ages.  

Families can stroll down Main Street, marveling at the 34 Beetlejuice scarecrow displays, each one more creative than the last. Prizes of $300, $200 and $100 will be awarded for first, second and third place respectively with the winners to be announced during Trick-Or-Treat on Main Street

Corporate sponsors for this year’s Scarecrow Row are the Alachua Business League, Alachua Today Newspaper/Boukari Law, Campus USA, Canvass Church, Cisco South RDC, Matchmaker Realty, Optimal Station, Polaris of Gainesville, Santa Fe Ford, The Seed and WastePro.

With community safety in mind, Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event hours. Additionally, families are encouraged to bring flashlights and wear reflective accessories to ensure visibility as they enjoy the event. Local police will be on hand to assist and ensure a smooth experience for all attendees. Parents are also encouraged to review trick-or-treating safety tips with their children before the event.

Trick-Or-Treat on Main Street is free to attend, and all families are welcome. Parking will be available at nearby lots, but spaces are expected to fill up quickly, so early arrival is recommended. For more details about the annual Trick-or-Treat on Main and Scarecrow Row visit the Chamber’s website at https://www.alachuachamber.com/trick-or-treat-on-main-scarecrow-row.

With spooky decorations, creative scarecrow displays, and plenty of candy, this year’s Scarecrow Row and trick-or-treat event promises to be the perfect way for families to celebrate. Whether you’re a fan of Beetlejuice or just looking for a safe place to enjoy the holiday, Main Street is the place to be this Saturday evening

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