The Howe Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing for its 3rd Annual Downtown Howe-lloween Festival. The date is set for Oct. 26 from 6 pm—9 pm on Haning Street.
The idea of a downtown Trunk ‘R Treat type of event began in 2017 when members of FUMC (First United Methodist Church) approached the chamber about combining to make one big event downtown. The first year saw a great number of people downtown, but last year’s crowd grew exponentially from the first year.
“This event helps Howe by attracting people to our downtown area and letting people know that we are an active community,” said Robert Cannaday, president of the Howe Area Chamber of Commerce. “In the past, this event has attracted people from inside and outside of Howe, which is great for bringing awareness to our town and activities. People who might have not known about our downtown and local businesses before are now fully aware of what we have going on here.”
FUMC is still a huge part of the Howe-lloween event as they have eight vendor spaces for games and candy.
“Kids will get to wear their costumes, play games, and collect candy from businesses and vendors,” said Chamber Board Treasurer Sarah Whitt. “It will be an evening of good old fashioned Halloween family fun.”
Keep Howe Beautiful will host their 2nd Annual Chili Cook-off on the same night on Haning Street in front of the Fire Department. With sponsorships, KHB raised over $1,800 a year ago with this event which is being used to construct the flower garden at Summit Gardens (formerly the First Christian Church).
Those willing to place their homemade chili in the competition can sign up to do so online at Eventbrite. The chili cook-off is an Unsanctioned on-site cooking event (any chili, any flavor, floaties, non-floaties), Chili entrants are responsible for supplying crackers, tasting cups, and their tables and chairs. There’s a two-gallon minimum. (Keep Howe Beautiful will supply the spoons). The entry fee will be returned for the Most Decorated Booth. Leslie Defrange is the defending chili cook-off champion.
Cannaday says that the Howe-lloween event is not one that makes the chamber a lot of money, but it does great things for exposure to local businesses.
Whitt says that the chamber will be on-site to help organize the event and direct vendors to their location, but her favorite part is handing out candy to the youngsters.
Vendors that have signed up to date are: Howe church of Christ, Amanda Byrd (pizza), TC Gutters & Home Remodeling, Howe Youth Softball, Fairytale Parties by Sidney, Caterly Couch, Howe Mercantile, Hester Magic, Origami Owl Custom Jewelry, Scentsy by Michelle B, Karen Hernandez, Feathered Indian Designs/Southern Grace Boutique, Maroon Red Soap, Lovely U Beauty Bar, Dusty Rows Farms, FUMC, and Renewal by Andersen.
Those interested in being a vendor can register for $10 per parking space (click here). No electricity will be provided – only space.
