Downtown Spooktacular Set For Sunday, Oct. 31

The Robinson family’s balcony on South Grand is where it all will begin with the candy drop at 6 p.m. (sharp) Sunday, Oct. 31, to start the Ninth Annual Downtown Doniphan Halloween Spooktacular. From left are Henry Whitlow, Layla Spradling, Candi Whitlow, Adam Spradling, Christy Spradling and Kat Robinson.

Ron Smith

It’s hard to keep a good event down. Especially one geared toward children.

So after a year in COVID quarantine, the Ninth Annual Downtown Doniphan Halloween Spooktacular wants to come back strong.

Past Spooktaculars have drawn around 2,000 children and adults to the downtown area. Last year’s event was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Trick-or-treaters are urged to bring something big to hold all the candy on Sunday evening, Oct. 31. The first place to gather will be at the balcony on South Grand Ave., where a Doniphan tradition was born nine Halloweens ago.

“We will start with the candy drop at 6 p.m. sharp for ages 0-6,” said Kat Robinson. “Ages seven and up will follow and if there’s anything left we will have a third one for everybody.”

Three thousand pieces of candy didn’t last long in 2012. This time, Robinson plans to have about 15,000 pieces for the drop.

Several downtown businesses along with the Current River Heritage Museum also will be welcoming trick-or-treaters. South Grand, West Washington and State streets will be closed to traffic from 6-8 p.m.

Several individuals and school clubs have offered to help with trunk- or-treat and games. Jim Ed Burks, the kettle corn man, will be set up downtown.

DNAP will be offering its community center as a warming station and rest room stop.

Donations are welcomed for the candy drop. Anyone who would like to help with the trunk-or-treat, vendors or provide candy may call 573-714-4761.