The brisk autumn air and biting winds of Halloween were no match for the warmth of community spirit in West Plains, as the Downtown Revitalization organization hosted its annual Scare on the Square event. Over 800 costume-clad locals came together in a festive celebration of fall and community camaraderie, organizers reported.
Despite Tuesday's chilly temperatures, the heart of West Plains was ablaze with activity as children and adults alike, donned in their Halloween best, took to Court Square. The event, described by organizers as “a staple of the local holiday celebrations,” provided a safe and thrilling environment for families to enjoy the spooky season.
A key highlight of the evening was the inclusion of DJ Will's "Treat Street," with downtown being one of three area locations where his beats could be heard. His music enlivened the square, where the rhythms mingled with the sounds of laughter and chatter. Adding to the fun was a free photo booth, offering families a chance to capture their ghoulish getups and joyous smiles, creating keepsakes to last a lifetime.
Trick-or-treating, the cornerstone of any Halloween festivity, was abundant as businesses around the square opened their doors, inviting the community's youngest ghouls, witches, superheroes and princesses to fill their bags with treats. The allure of the evening was heightened by the addition of bounce houses and carnival games, providing both an adrenaline rush and a sense of playful nostalgia.
The evening was also marked by acts of generosity, as Community First Banking Company sponsored free hotdogs for the first 200 children at Mandy's Hotdogs, ensuring that the revelry was matched with warm, hearty refreshments. To sweeten the chilly evening, Big City Properties sponsored free hot chocolates for the first 100 children at 10/40 Coffee, providing a delicious way for kids to keep warm.
The candy, a critical component of the event's success, was generously provided by Walmart of West Plains. This sweet contribution ensured that the Downtown Revitalization group could hand out copious amounts of treats, adding to the mountain of confectionaries distributed. Likewise, Country at Heart was mentioned for their substantial giveaway, contributing many pounds of candy, and sharing in the community's spirit of giving.
The West Plains Downtown Revitalization Board was overwhelmed with gratitude as its members expressed their heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out to support the "spooktacular" event. Their acknowledgment served as a reminder of the collective effort required to orchestrate such a successful celebration.
As the evening wound down and the last pieces of candy were handed out, the true essence of Scare on the Square crystallized: Beyond the costumes and the candy, the bounce houses and the hot dogs, the event stood as a testament to the strength and warmth of the West Plains community. Such events weave the social fabric tighter, creating a tapestry of shared experiences that celebrate not just the seasons, but also the unyielding spirit of community.
In an age where individual pursuits often overshadow collective endeavors, the importance of shared events like Scare on the Square cannot be overstated. They serve as vital pillars for social gathering, reinforcing the values of unity, generosity and common joy. It is here, among the Jack-o-lanterns and spiderwebs, that the true spirit of community flickers brightly, casting a glow that remains long after the last candle inside a pumpkin has been snuffed out.
