Bloomington Downtown’s Trick or Treat drew thousands on Friday evening and children looked for treats but played no tricks. However, tricks were pulled by those handing out the treats with a nod and a wink.
Melissa Hon, Bloomington’s director of community development, was working a tent where her department was handing out treat bags. The department coordinates with downtown businesses on events such as Trick or Treat.
“We appreciate all of the support from the downtown business owners to come out and participate in the event and we are glad to have so many people out from the community tonight,” said Hon.
Jamie Mathy’s Red Racoon Games was overflowing with treat seekers. He had a line outside coming in but once inside the line continued to the back of the store where Mathy was handing out pokemon cards, gaming dice and candy.
“Ultimately we wanted people to be in downtown and know who we are downtown as well so part of that is getting them to come in the door the first time,” said Mathy.
This is Red Racoon’s first year at their new store location. They have participated in Trick or Treat a number of years but this was the first time they were able to have people come in the store.
“We couldn’t have people come in because we only had a single doorway and people with strollers couldn’t get in and out at the same time,” said Mathy.”The double doors let people come in and out now.”
Aubrey Staton, the marketing manager for Connect Transit, was handing out candy on one of their buses. To get a treat children had to go on the bus. Connect Transit was giving out toys instead of candy.
“We are involved in a number of ‘Trunk or Treats’ throughout the Bloomington-Normal Community,” said Staton. “We think it is a great way for us to get kids on a bus in kind of a different way that you don’t normally think about and gives us a chance to be really involved in community events.”
Jona Paul and Brooke Davis, both paralegals with Pioletti Law Firm, were handing out candy to children and tricking adults. They were handing out light up foam safety devices to parents to carry when trick or treating. The trick? Advertising on the lights read “Legal Protection Doesn’t Have to be Scary.”
Rivian had vehicles on display and had children get candy out of the front trunk. Candy or not….one little kid was exploring the gear tunnel located behind the cab under the bed.
“The gear tunnel is a spot … to be able to put golf clubs or other longer things that normally wouldn’t fit into the back or the truck or elsewhere in the vehicle,” said a Rivian spokesperson.
City-wide Trick or Treating is tonight 5-8 p.m, Oct. 31.
