by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative
Local youngsters – dressed in their creative Halloween costumes and chaperone by adults – were able to get a first-hand, on the ground look at the Essex Center Streetscape project as it nears its completion, while they participated in the annual Essex Center BIA Tiny Tots parade last Friday morning.
Members of the Essex Center BIA are always excited to partner with area businesses to welcome the young Halloween enthusiast to the downtown core, as they are invited to walk around the business area – with a pail in hand – to trick-or-treat at area businesses.
The Essex Centre BIA has hosted this event for many years, giving an opportunity for businesses to connect with the local families and provide a morning of fun for youngsters in the downtown area. This year’s event gave participants an opportunity to walk the Essex Center streetscape as it nears completion, hopefully encouraging families to return and visit some of the local businesses.
The Essex Center BIA partners with students from the leadership class at Essex District High school, who are always excited to also dress up and line the sidewalks to hand out candy with the local businesses, providing extra opportunity for the youngsters to collect sweet treats.
Participants were encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to support local food banks.
Essex Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais sits on the BIA as its Council liaison and recently encouraged residents to visit two businesses they have never visited before to provide support to the local small businesses during the streetscape project.
Members of the Essex Center BIA were thankful for the opportunity to allow area families to participate in the local event, and be able to do that safely thanks to Town of Essex staff and the Essex County OPP.
She also added a big thanks for the support from the Town of Essex Park/Facilities and Infrastructure staff, OPP, Essex Fire & Rescue, Clerks, members of Council, Streetscape Contactor JJ Lepera, and the BIA “for working together as a team to accomplish this great event. It took everyone of them to make this event happen this year. It was truly a team effort.”
Members were delighted with the turnout, where hundreds of area youths took advantage of the opportunity to get into the Halloween spirit a little early.