Trick or Treat!

By Melinda L. Lucas

Despite what is expected to be cold weather on Thursday afternoon, crowds of costumed children are expected in the downtown area and in other parts of Albany for what has become a local tradition.

When it was announced that there would be no Trunk or Treat event this year, Chamber of Commerce manager Mary Beth Jones invited other individuals and organizations to join the downtown merchants in their usual Oct. 31 candy distribution.

As a result, there are at least a dozen others besides retailers who will be handing out candy from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., rain or shine.

“Rain or shine, cold or warm, we’ll be there handing out candy,” said Jones.

She commented that the cooler weather may cause the Main Street event to be a better option for local children than going door-to-door later that evening.

“Because of the newspaper articles and Facebook posts, I think the word is out,” said the Chamber executive. “I think we’ll have a lot of kids.”

The high for Thursday afternoon is forecast to be in the low to mid 50s, so it should actually be warmer than the first few days of the week.

In addition to retailers in the downtown block, trick or treaters can visit the Shackelford County Law Enforcement Center, Kindred at Home, First Financial Bank, Shackelford County Appraisal District, King and Robertson Insurance, Shackelford County Library, Albany News, Prairie Star, ResourceCare, Stasney’s Well Service, and Los Cazadores during the same time frame. Brookshire’s will start at 4:30 p.m.

There may also be a few groups at the Bank Park.

Some of the businesses are planning to extend the time to 5:00 p.m.