Living in a primarily rural area, it is hard for youngsters to enjoy the delights of going door to door tricker treating for candy. Enter the 2024 Nightmare on Maple Street, which featured a trunk-or-treat, door prizes, costume contest, bounce houses, food, face painting and more.
Marshal Nancy De Foster and her crew put together a family-friendly event that gave young and old a chance to dress up in costume and stroll through Bandera City Park trolling for candy.
The adults looked to be having as much fun as the kids as they sported some detailed and complex costumes.
De Foster moved the event into City Park down by the Medina River and this proved to be a fortuitous change.
The participants were able to line both sides of the upper road while children and parents could stroll down the center lane looking at all the decorations and scoring loads of candy.
Even though there were a smaller number of booth participants than last year, no child left the park without candy and treats. The booths ranged from simple decorations with bowls of candy to elaborate displays with authentic character costumes.
Two booths brough equine participants and kids could interact with regular and ghost horses. All manner of decorations from home made to professionally purchased could be seen along the center aisle of the event.
Few, if any, costumes were repeated. A few costumes from the upcoming Betelgeuse movie were duplicated but most people used their creativity to craft unique and interesting costumes.
Some stuck to literary themes like the Handmaid’s Tale and while others were traditionally spooky themes.
Cartoon figures and superheroes abounded. One unique costume was a person dressed as a shower.
Giveaways included traditional candy, but the Bandera Kronkosky Library gave away books to young readers who stopped by their booth.
Kids filled buckets, sacks, totes and pillowcases with all manner of trinkets, souvenirs and candy. The smells of cotton candy and fresh popcorn wafted through the air. Snow cones kept the kids cool.
The event drew a crowd, and close parking was at a premium. The Warrior’s Heart assisted by using their gators and golf carts to transport folks from far out parking areas.
Cars lined the roads and crossed streets in the park area. More than 1000 citizens participated in the event.
Marshal De Foster zipped around in a golf cart checking on everyone and stopping once to take advantage of the photo booth.
The large crowd was calm and strolled leisurely through the park. Many citizens came by just to see the costumes and join in this fun community event.
The Marshal’s Office secured a bounce house and had a dance contest in one of the pavilions. They also had face painting for extra fun. Door prizes also added to the event The event was free and a part of the National Night Out Celebration.
Sponsorships, participation or donations for future events can be made through the Bandera City Marshal’s Office.
