More than 60 businesses and organizations are preparing to welcome an expected 1,000 trick-or-treaters to downtown Philomath this Halloween for the annual Trunk or Treat event hosted by the Philomath Area Chamber of Commerce.
The free event runs from 3-5 p.m. Friday along Main Street from Ninth to 17th streets and includes the Philomath Museum parking lot.
“I feel like we’ve got a lot more this year,” said Nikki Hasley, the chamber’s executive director, said about businesses and organizations that signed up.
The expansion reflects not just growth in participation but also in geographic reach. This year, organizers secured an extended permit that allows the event to stretch all the way to the corner of Ninth Street, incorporating several more businesses.
The addition of the museum parking lot a few years ago opened up opportunities for more participants.
“It really does open it up to many more people being able to participate, especially Philomath businesses that are beyond Main Street,” Hasley said.
Safety remains a top priority for organizers. Ten crossing guards will be stationed throughout the event route.
“We just want to make sure that everyone is safe,” Hasley said, noting that she’s coordinated with Philomath’s police chief to ensure everything is in order. “We’ve all been in communication.”
Participants should come prepared with plenty of treats. Hasley advises those handing out candy to stock up for at least 1,000 visitors.
“I remember last year, one of the participants said they had 900 individual baggies that they did and they ran out,” Hasley said. “I’ve been telling everyone (to expect) close to 1,000 kids — and that’s just kids, not their family members or grandparents who come with them.”
Special attractions will add to the Halloween atmosphere. Mid Columbia Bus Co.’s “haunted bus” returns this year, set up on a city-owned lot at the corner of Main and South 14th across from the Chevron station. The Benton County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse also plans to bring a couple of miniature ponies to delight young visitors.
For Hasley, the event represents something larger than just trick-or-treating.
“I hope that they get to see more of downtown Philomath, they get to see the spirit of Philomath and how we can all come together,” she said. “What really makes Philomath very special is our tight-knit community — I really hope that’s the feeling they get when they come and visit Philomath on Friday.”
