Halloween is several weeks away, but Unity Committee members in Cleveland already are gearing up for the 10th Annual Treat Street, the most-attended annual event in Cleveland and the largest Halloween party in Liberty County.
Treat Street is a free trick-or-treating event for children through age 11 that is held on Halloween night, Oct. 31, from 6-8 p.m.
Every year, the number of booths and participants grows. Last year, despite a rainy forecast, around 6,000 people, including costumed children and their parents, turned out to the Cleveland Civic Center to take advantage of the free candy and prizes.
The event was moved to the civic center last year because it had outgrown its previous space on Crockett Street. This year, Treat Street is being shifted to Stancil Exposition Center, 211 Peach Ave., across from the civic center, to make room for more parking and to provide a covered facility that can accommodate the growing crowd numbers even in the event of inclement weather.
The dirt foundation in the exposition center, used for Dairy Day rodeos in April and May, will be tamped down to provide a foundation suitable for foot and stroller traffic. Booths will be lined up all around the arena and children will be able to move about freely to the booths.
In the middle of the arena, an area will be set aside for a Thriller Dance Competition. There is no age limit to participate in the dance-off and a prize will be awarded to the top dancer.
Organizers are signing up businesses, churches and groups to host vendor booths. There is no charge for booth space, but vendors must bring enough candy for each child to have at least one piece from their booth. By the time the children make their way to all the booths, they should have enough to fill their buckets and bags. Parents will not be allowed to trick-or-treat.
Vendors are encouraged to participate in a booth contest. The top three booths will receive trophies and be recognized on http://www.bluebonnetnews.com.
Prizes will also be awarded in a Halloween costume contest for children through age 11. Three prizes will be awarded in three categories — 0-3 years old, 4-7 years old and 8-11 years old.
If you are interested in hosting a booth, call Bluebonnet News Editor Vanesa Brashier at 936-346-1051 or send email to editor@bluebonnetnews.com, or call the Cleveland Civic Center at 281-592-2395 or email Marina Yvanez at mybanez@clevelandtexas.com.
The Unity Committee of Cleveland is made up of volunteers who are dedicated to providing free, family-friendly events for the area. Volunteers are always needed. If you are interested in joining the committee, contact Brashier, Ybanez or Cleveland Civic Center Director Frieda Joyce.
In addition to Treat Street, the Unity Committee partners with the City of Cleveland to provide the Fourth of July Fireworks Show, Bunny Blast, Hometown Christmas and other annual events.