Spooky Fun Lights Up Downtown Alachua, Trick-Or-Treat on Main Brings Thrills and Chills

ALACHUA ‒ Alachua’s Main Street was brimming with Halloween excitement as over 3,000 gathered for the annual “Trick or Treat on Main” celebration this past Saturday, Oct 26, 2024. Downtown was transformed into a bustling hub of Halloween excitement as costumed children and families arrived for the much-anticipated event. Hosted by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with local businesses, the City of Alachua, and community organizations, this cherished tradition provided families with a safe, spirited environment to enjoy Halloween.

From 5:30 to 8 p.m., families strolled through the pedestrian-only zone on Main Street, where local businesses and community groups offered candy and Halloween-themed surprises. The street was alive with color, from traditional pumpkins to more creative displays inspired by the classic movie Beetlejuice, the theme for this year’s “Scarecrow Row” — a highlight of the evening.

Scarecrow Row brought a whimsical display of creatively designed scarecrows contributed by businesses and organizations. Each display captured the quirky, eerie charm of Beetlejuice, adding a touch of Hollywood magic. From Beetlejuice himself to renditions of the film’s memorable characters and scenes, the displays brought smiles and shivers to visitors of all ages.

This year’s event saw significant backing from corporate sponsors, including 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 Waste Pro.

These businesses not only sponsored scarecrow displays but also contributed to the community spirit by interacting with trick-or-treaters and offering treats along the route. “The scarecrows add such a unique, local flavor to our Halloween event,” shared a participating business owner. “It’s a way to give children and families a memorable experience.”

A Beetlejuice-themed photo booth, one of the event’s main attractions, provided families with a chance to capture fun memories. The booth included a backdrop inspired by the film, complete with a live costumed Beetlejuice, making it the perfect spot for snapping photos to remember the night. Kids and adults alike enjoyed the playful yet eerie vibes, taking home souvenirs of their Halloween adventure on Main Street.

Excited children dressed as everything from glittering princesses to vibrant superheroes darted along Main Street, gathering treats at every stop while their parents hurried to keep up with their boundless energy.

Alachua Chamber of Commerce President Adam Boukari expressed his enthusiasm about the event’s growing popularity. “Every Halloween, Main Street lights up with excitement, and this year was truly special with our Beetlejuice theme,” said Boukari. “Seeing families, friends, and businesses come together to create a fun and safe event is what makes Alachua’s community unique. From the scarecrow displays to our businesses handing out candy to the kids, to the photo booth, it’s all about creating lasting memories and a magical experience for everyone.”

The “Trick or Treat on Main Street” event, free and open to the public, has become a treasured tradition in Alachua. Organizers ensured ample parking in nearby lots, although families were encouraged to arrive early due to the event's popularity. Safety remained a top priority, with the Alachua Police Department on site to maintain a safe environment for all attendees.

As the evening wound down, it was clear that “Trick or Treat on Main” had once again created a shared appreciation for Alachua’s unique Halloween magic.

For more information about “Trick or Treat on Main” and other community events, visit the Alachua Chamber of Commerce website.

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