If you haven't already, it's time to decide what you are going to wear, or rather, who you are going to be, for Hometown Halloween Trick or Treating in downtown Napa. This is the day for parents to dress their kids (and themselves, if they wish) in their Halloween finest, and come downtown to trick or treat.
Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, the sidewalks will be packed with children looking for a sweet handout. Over 100 businesses will be displaying black and orange balloons at their doors, an invitation for kids to visit. The odds are really good that they will get a treat, not a trick. Even if you don't have children, get yourself a coffee or cool drink, find a good place to sit and watch the fun.
The number of kids that participate every year is almost overwhelming for merchants, who may go through 75 to 100 pounds of candy each, but they love it.
"I'll have three helpers passing out candy that day, dressed in their own Halloween costumes," said Susan Melendez, owner of the Bennington Napa Valley, part of the First Street Napa complex. "On a normal day, they are Cami, Poppy and Finn from Blue Oak school, but you may not recognize them on Saturday." Susan has participated since her store opened five years ago. "I wouldn't miss it," she said.
Many businesses go all out for the day. The Napa County Historical Society, on First Street across from the Archer Hotel, turns its entire building into a haunted house. Some people might think they see Napa's mayor or other dignitaries there, but on Saturday, that resemblance is blurry at best.
"People are so creative with their costumes, and the kids are just delightful. Some of the youngsters who trick-or-treated in the initial years now have children of their own. It is a community, family fun, fall afternoon," said Anette Madsen, co-owner of Anette's Chocolates, who has participated from the beginning.
When the event began, it was intended to provide children with a safe place to trick or treat.
"The Downtown Napa Association (DNA) thought it would be a great idea to offer downtown as that place, and the event was born," said Bill LaLiberte, the executive director of the DNA. "And best of all, it's free," he added with a laugh.
None of this would be possible without the local businesses, who buy candy by the ton just for this. "We count on support from our Napa neighbors to spread the word on the event, and it's been working for over 20 years," said LaLiberte. "And a big shout out to the residents of Napa who dress up in costume and join in the event to make this a fun, frightening and ghoulish day."
Happy Halloween to you all!
Craig Smith retired from Downtown Napa, but is still a big fan of all things downwtown. [email protected] or 707-257-0322.