ROCKINGHAM – In hosting the first “Spooktacular” Halloween event, the Downtown Rockingham Corporation is helping the city’s center and small businesses thrive.
Those walking around downtown Rockingham on Tuesday afternoon may have thought they were dreaming. The area was crawling with superheroes, zombies, princesses, and creatures from the greatest imaginations.
However, there was a good explanation for this, as local children and their families were trick-or-treating in one of the safest ways possible: door-to-door of the local businesses.
The city came together to create a trick-or-treating experience aimed at providing children a safe environment, while also promoting the local businesses by showing that they care about the families who support them.
Looking around, smiles were posted on everyone’s faces, from the business owners, to the families, all the way down to the kids who were excited for a chance to reach into a bowl of candy and treats.
“I knew there would be a crowd, but had no idea it would be such a large crowd,” said Robin Roberts, manager of Hudson Brothers’ Deli. She explained that by 5:30 p.m. they had already made two candy runs, and they were not the only ones.
This event wasn’t just about the candy being handed out. It was also about how much Rockingham has grown over the last few years, and all that the downtown area has been putting in place for the community.
“Business is always great when these events are happening,” Roberts stated.
In the last month, there have been two events in downtown Rockingham, Affair on the Square and the Spooktacular. Next weekend, the Veteran’s Day parade will occur and Christmas on the Square is coming up in a month. Both are expected to boost business and support in the downtown area.
“Spooktacular is great for the kids who may not have gotten the opportunity to go trick-or-treating otherwise,” said Headlines Studio owner Daniel Sweatt.
He continued by saying that all of the businesses choosing to set up shop downtown have been contributing to the opportunity for events such as this.
“These types of things always make for good business and great support,” Sweatt expressed. “If kids come up and see that we support them, both them and their families may come out and support us as well.”
The first Spooktacular may be over, but with its success promises the success and continued growth of downtown Rockingham.
