Downtown Cleveland to host annual Halloween block party
All photos courtesy of Mainstreet Cleveland.
The 32nd annual Halloween Block Party is set to take place this Thursday in historic downtown Cleveland.
Hosted by Mainstreet Cleveland, the free block party will be held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will feature music, food, costume contests, bounce houses and a variety of candies.
“It is always exciting to see so many people from the Bradley County community come together for a fun family evening,” said Sharon Marr, the executive director of MainStreet Cleveland. “The Halloween Block Party is a safe alternative to trick or treating.”
According to Marr, the Cleveland Police Dept. and Mars Chocolate are two of the 17 sponsors helping to make the block party possible.
“Mars Chocolate has donated 10,000 bags of candy to be given out at the party,” Marr said.
A costume contest is being held at 6 p.m. at the Post Office Annex. The contest includes categories for all ages. Trophies and candy will be awarded for each winning category.
Live music will feature local bands Share the Road and the Joel Beaver Band.
At 8 p.m., the headliner Dexter Thomas Band is set to play on the courthouse stage. According to the group’s Facebook page, the band plays the best of the 60s & 70s Rock, R&B and Funk.
Senior advertising major Isaac Barrick said the live music is a great way to bring people together.
“There is a difference between having a D.J. who just plays songs versus live music that engages you,” Barrick said. “The different bands bring the whole night together.”
In addition to the live music, there will be performances by Raw Art Dance and Entertainment as well as Cleveland Dance and Performing Arts.
Cleveland resident Gabe Rodriguez said the food at the Halloween Block Party is his favorite part of the event.
“Every year since I was a kid, my family and I would always enjoy getting a funnel cake and caramel apples,” Rodriguez said. “I am excited for all the food vendors.”
Everyone is welcome to attend Cleveland’s Halloween Block Party on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information on the event, contact MainStreet Cleveland at 423-479-1000 or visit their website at mainstreetcleveland.com.
