Downtown Hastings was packed with ghosts, goblins, superheroes and plenty of families Sunday, Oct. 25, as the Hastings Downtown Business Association (DBA) hosted its annual Halloween Candy Crawl. Organizers estimated approximately 2,500 people attended the three-hour event, filling downtown sidewalks with costumed children and families enjoying an afternoon of Halloween fun.
Participating downtown businesses welcomed trick-or-treaters with candy and activities throughout the afternoon. Several groups handing out candy reported spending between $700 and $1,000 to make sure they had enough treats for the crowds.
The event featured a DJ on Second Street, a bounce house sponsored by Hastings Public House & Golf Club, mini golf, hot chocolate and a trunk-or-treat along Sibley Street. Families made their way between participating businesses, enjoying the festive atmosphere and activities offered throughout downtown.
At The Studio Downtown, visitors encountered Star Wars stormtroopers handing out candy. Fortunately, the stormtroopers appeared to have much better aim with candy buckets than they are known for having with their blasters. The Studio also offered balloon art and indoor coloring activities for children.
Lock and Dam Eatery continued its annual cotton candy giveaway, handing out approximately 700 servings of cotton candy along with 100 scoops of ice cream. The popular stop was among the many attractions drawing families through downtown businesses.
The Candy Crawl also provided an opportunity to support families in need. The DBA encouraged attendees to bring chunky or hearty soups for Hastings Family Service, with collection bins located near the DJ at Second and Sibley streets and outside Hastings Family Service.
The event was made possible through the efforts of the Downtown Business Association's volunteer committee and participating businesses, which invested both time and money to create a memorable afternoon for local families.
With an estimated 2,500 visitors filling downtown, the Halloween Candy Crawl once again demonstrated the community's enthusiasm for gathering in historic downtown Hastings.