Families gather downtown to celebrate an early Halloween

Bailey Purpura

Costumes, candy and more filled Downtown Kent for the Annual Family Friendly Halloween Event Friday at the Hometown Bank Plaza.

Businesses downtown including Tree City Coffee & Pastry, Belleria, Pita Pit, One Love Yoga, Troy Grille and many more participated in the trick or treat event for the city of Kent.

Some venues participated for several reasons including getting involved with the town.

“This is our second year participating in the event,” said Robin Hatcher, owner of Robin’s Nest. “We think it is great for the community.”

With the stores decorated with lights and decorations, families and children dressed up in a variety of costumes ranging from superheroes and minions to dinosaurs and clowns.

“We love to come to Kent and would love to move here someday,” said Beckie Bragg of Brimfield, attending the Halloween event with her grandchildren. “This event is very fun and we love all the treats.”

The Olson Hall RAs volunteered at the event for community service hours. They passed out papers directing the families to the different businesses passing out candy.

The Halloween event also hosted a costume contest and even an appearance from Mr. Black Squirrel who danced and took pictures with kids.

Contact Bailey Purpura at [email protected].