By ANTHONY STONE
Sunday Times Newspapers
ALLEN PARK — Halloween is near, and holiday events will take over downtown later this month.
Allen Park Presbyterian Church is partnering with the Allen Park Downtown Development Authority for a trunk-or-treat Oct. 28, and the Allen Park Elks Lodge 2194 will host its 34th annual annual Pumpkin Patch Oct. 31.
The trunk-or-treat will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Park Avenue between Cleveland and Harrison streets. Local businesses sponsor the event by donating candy. The Allen Park Farmers Market will be held on the same day and will feature vendors passing out candy as well. The Farmers Market will be in the parking lot that spans Park Avenue.
Guests will be treated to live entertainment and surprises. Anyone wanting to pass out candy or children wanting to trick-or-treat are welcome to attend.
“It’s a safe environment for the kids, it brings the community together,” said Lauren Bielak, DDA executive assistant and special events coordinator. “It’s a good community event.”
The Allen Park Elks pumpkin patch party will held from 5 to 9 p.m. — or until there is no more candy available — on Park Avenue. Several businesses along Park will pass out candy.
Hundreds of carved pumpkins donated by The Henry Ford in Dearborn will line Park Avenue between Philomene and White streets. Halloween-themed lights also will help decorate the avenue. Also, Allen Park High School students will create and donate floats for the event.
The other part of the pumpkin patch is a party from 6 to 9 p.m. inside the Elks Lodge, 6605 Park, for those with developmental disabilities. A dinner will be provided along with a disc jockey. Guests also can enjoy refreshments and treats.
The night is made possible by about 300 sponsors and donations from Allen Park and surrounding communities.
Mark Bailey of McNally’s Shoes, 6621 Park, started the event as a small fundraiser, which originally was denied by the city government. His tenacity has produced an event that today hosts thousands of guests per year.
“Special needs people are in their 50s now, and they have been coming for 30 years.” Bailey said.
To donate to the event, call Bailey at 313-382-4238.