New Halloween happening in Onaway a big hit with families
by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor
Onaway was happening place on Halloween.
On College Street the clowns were scaring the tar out of people on the haunted porch, while inflatable sumos had people in stitches with their antics. They were spotted at Lynn Street Manor early in the evening.
Some area churches had organized activities, as did Tom?s Family Market. It was the first time the downtown grocery store put on ?Trunk Treats,? and as popular as the inaugural event was, it?s almost guaranteed to return in 2011.
OWNER TOM Madison expanded on an idea that was going on in the parking lot of the Cheboygan K-Mart. ?It was phenomenal,? said store co-owner Bryan Madison. ?We?re hoping to get some more cars next year, and more people involved.?
There were more than just treats, there were elaborate Halloween displays. The business also gave away a Segway, a two-wheeled self-balancing electric vehicle, to spark more interest. The event ended up being much more than they had ever expected.
HALF OF the parking lot was roped off and families were lined up to get in right from the start. ?We didn?t know where it was going to go. We decorated a trailer, thinking that was kin
There were werewolves jumping out of a Suburban, body parts in an old ambulance and several displays with fog machines going. ?There were some really cool ideas,? said Madison. He was pleased with the response, especially since there are fewer and fewer houses giving away candy. He said this offered an alternative. Tom?s received the Segway from 7-Up, in return for the beverage company setting up a display in the store lobby.
?WE JUST thought it would be a fantastic door prize and create some more interest and get even more cars involved,? said Madison.
Onaway police chief James Gibson also was pleased, as it was quiet. He said there were no reports of stolen pumpkins or vandalism. If there had been ? it would be an easy choice to have blamed the College Street clowns.