Essex Centre BIA welcomes Halloween with annual Tiny Tot Parade

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative

Hundreds of young trick-or-treaters lined Talbot Street with their guardians or parents on Friday morning, taking full advantage of the Essex Centre BIA’s Tiny Tots parade.

  Every year, the local Business Improvement Area invites Essex Centre businesses to hand out treats during the local event, and youngsters to come collect them in costume as either a practice run for Halloween or as an early day alternative.

  Not only does this annual Halloween tradition connect members of the community to the area businesses, it builds on the spirit of community and demonstrates the generosity of the businesses who appreciate the support they are shown throughout the year.

  It also pays it forward, as all the young trick-or-treaters are urged to bring a non-perishable food item to participate, which are then donated to the Essex Area Food Bank to help support families facing economic hardships.

  Stephanie Winger, Chairperson of the Essex Centre BIA, was pleased with the turnout on Friday morning, which offered great weather for an outdoor event.

  She spoke of how one of the Essex Centre BIA mandates is to promote the downtown core, and events like the Tiny Tot Halloween parade not only brings people to the business corridor, but reminds residents that small, local businesses are the ones that sponsor and support their kids’ sports teams and other opportunities.

  The Essex Centre BIA thanked the Essex District High School Grade 12 Businesses Leadership students who not only gave up their time to help hand out candy, but dressed in costume to do so, adding to the experience for the youths.  

  A special thank you was also provided to the staff of the Town of Essex, the Essex County OPP, and Firefighters with Essex Fire & Rescue for helping to block the street from vehicular traffic, keeping everyone safe.   

  The event was also a great way for residents to get a close look at the new “Salute Our Veterans” street banners, a program designed by its own committee to recognize local service personnel leading up to Remembrance Day. The Essex Centre BIA was a major sponsor of the program with the Essex Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 201) and the Rotary Club of Essex.

  Up next, the Essex Centre BIA is working hard with the Windsor Parade Corporation in organizing this year’s Santa Claus Parade, which will take place December 13. This year’s theme is “A Canadian Christmas.” Deadline to enter a float is November 29.

  To learn more, or to fill out a band, float, or sponsorship form, log onto www.windsorparade.org/essexbia