Went with our new (16 mo) grandbaby to a couple of the local Halloween events last night. I was both ASTONISHED, and very proud of the family values of our little town of Cookeville, TN. For the last several years, they have had a Halloween event on "the historic west side", a commercial district a few blocks off the square with roughly 50 merchants. Two blocks long, both sides of the street; lots of little restaurants and mom-and-pop shops that give out candy to the trick-or-treaters. They close off all the streets. The last time we had gone was about 5 years ago - it was a blast. Hundreds of little kids and their parents, all dressed up in some really elaborate costumes. This year, the city management heavily promoted it. There were several THOUSAND people there! In a town with a total population of only 30,000.
After we had tired out the grandbaby a bit there, we went to one of the local church's Halloween festival. Another thousand or more folks there! Dozens of free games and activities for the kids, 4 or 5 bounce houses, delicious free food (hot dogs, chili, baked potatoes). All exceptionally well organized and managed by the church's youth.
Small-town America DOES still exist, and we are very pleased to have fun and safe activities for our kids.
After we had tired out the grandbaby a bit there, we went to one of the local church's Halloween festival. Another thousand or more folks there! Dozens of free games and activities for the kids, 4 or 5 bounce houses, delicious free food (hot dogs, chili, baked potatoes). All exceptionally well organized and managed by the church's youth.
Small-town America DOES still exist, and we are very pleased to have fun and safe activities for our kids.
