Published in the October 10 – 23, 2018 issue of Morgan Hill Life

Morgan Hill Life file photo
Last year’s winners in publisher Marty Cheek’s annual costume contest was inspired by the animated film “Ratatouille.” Nick and Julienne Rasor were dressed as the chefs in the film and their 10-month-old son Sawyer wore a rat-chef costume made by his grandmother. The phantom judge will prowl downtown again Oct. 31, seeking the best home-made costume.

“When Black Cats Prowl and Pumpkins Gleam, May Luck Be Yours on Halloween!” — Anonymous

Falling leaves, brisk autumn winds, corn mazes, jack-o’ -lanterns and candy bags are just a few of the fun symbols that signify the impending arrival of All Hallows’ Eve.

With the holiday quickly approaching, details have been set in motion to prepare for Morgan Hill’s own Annual Safe Trick-or-Treat event, a Halloween tradition for many families and businesses.

The Morgan Hill Downtown Association and city of Morgan Hill will once again bring their Safe Trick-or-Treat experience to downtown from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Children younger than 13 are encouraged to don their costumes, grab their candy bags and visit the various decorated booths that will line Monterey Road from Main to Dunne. Returning is the popular Mt. Madonna YMCA “Trick-or-Trunk” where classic and custom cars alike will be decked-out in spooky décor.

Interactive booths will also make an appearance with face painting, bean bag games, mini golfing — and even baseball grand slams! Don’t forget to snap a commemorative selfie in front of the Halloween Wall before you leave to ring doorbells in surrounding neighborhoods.

All Morgan Hill businesses, organizations, churches and nonprofits are invited to participate for free by decorating a booth and passing out candy to costumed children. Historically the Safe Trick-or-Treat attracts 3,000 to 4,000 children and their families every year, the majority being residents of Morgan Hill and the immediate areas.

Don’t have little ones who need to collect candy? Reserve a patio table at one of the downtown restaurants and prepare for an evening of dining and costume judging. However you decide to participate, we promise you’ll have a gh’oul time!

To register your business for a booth, contact [email protected].

Brittney Sherman is the member and community relations director for the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce and sits on the board of directors for the Morgan Hill Downtown Association.