Ghouls and goblins will take to the streets of downtown Beaufort on Thursday night for annual trick-or-treating.
More than 65 business are stocking up on candy to give out during the Main Street Beaufort, USA and Beaufort Police Department activity from 4:30 to 6 p.m. It is designed to provide a safe environment for children to celebrate Halloween and go door-to-door.
Parents are encouraged to accompany their children while they collect candy on Bay, Scott, Charles, West and Port Republic streets and the West Street Extension. Last year, West Street between Bay and Port Republic street had many empty storefronts, but several new businesses are participating, according to Main Street Beaufort organizers.
To increase safety, several streets will be closed from 4:15 to 6 p.m.:
The trick-or-treating will be followed by games and activities -- including bounce castles -- in the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, according to Main Street Beaufort.
The annual event is a draw not only for locals -- Lisa Hudson, manager of the Best Western Plus Sea Island Inn on Bay Street says a group of her customers usually to participate.
A group of about 40 or 50 people visit Beaufort at this time each year for an unrelated event. About five or six years ago, they discovered the local trick-or-treating.
"It's a group that's been coming to stay with us for that many years as well, and they knew about the event and really enjoy dressing up and giving out the candy," Hudson said. "There's four that are brave enough to dress up, and the rest of their crew just hangs back and watches."
The visitors bring homemade costumes, such as Raggedy Ann and Cat Woman, and hand out dozens of pounds of candy purchased by the hotel to children, she said.
"It's just such a great event for Beaufort and everybody, and we do go through a lot of candy, but it's worth it," Hudson said.
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