Bipedal bird people walk by booths during the the 2016 annual Battle Ground Main Street Trick or Treat.
A family of friendly skeletons poses for a group photo during the 2016 annual Battle Ground Main Street Trick or Treat.
Battle Ground’s annual Main Street Halloween celebrations are back for its 36th year, including decoration contests, a free, family-friendly Halloween party and, of course, trick or treating down Main Street.
Businesses can get in on the action through spirit Award and Best Scarecrow contests which are judged by Mallard Landing residents, a release from the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce stated. The Spirit Award goes to the business decorated with the most originality and creativity, both in site decorations and employee costumes, while the Best Scarecrow goes to the best-designed straw man or woman placed in a window visible from the street, outside of the shop or as a “greeter” for patrons.
All participating businesses must be ready by the morning of Oct. 31 for the Mallard Landing judges to make their rounds from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Businesses interested in competing for either or both contests must call or email the Chamber of Commerce to register by noon on Wednesday, Oct. 25. Prizes and awards will be announced Wednesday, Nov. 1.
Kidz Cloz and Shoppe 7 are hosting the annual Coloring Contest for children from two to 12 years old, with winners announced in each of the three age groups: 2-4, 5-8, and 9-12. Coloring sheets and rules are available for pickup at Kids Cloz, 604 E Main St. and Shoppe 7, 513 E Main St. Entries must be dropped off at either location by Monday, Oct. 30 at 12 p.m. for judging. Winners will be notified by 6 p.m. on Nov. 1.
Trick or Treating is always a top priority for children and the safety of street crossing is important to parents. Both are covered with the “Trick or Treat Street” event from 4- 6 p.m. on Main Street east of state Route 503 on Oct. 31. All businesses that display an orange jack-o-lantern sign in their window invite trick or treaters in for a special treat, or trick. The Battle Ground Junior Air Force ROTC and Battle Ground Kiwanis Club will provide crosswalk safety.
At the east end of town, the Battle Ground Community Center will host “Fright Night,” a free event with lots of games, prizes, treasures, tricks, and treats, from 4-6 p.m. Battle Ground Albertson’s will again be providing cakes and cookies for the Cake Walk. For 50 cents, you have a chance to win more treats. All proceeds benefit the North County Community Food Bank.
“Trunk or Treat” will also be held in the parking lot at the Community Center this year. Decorate your car, dress in costume, and hand out treats from the trunk of your vehicle. Think Halloween “tailgating” — a fun way for businesses and organizations outside the Main Street area to join in the festivities. All Trunk or Treat entrants must sign up to receive an assigned parking spot and participate. Call or email the Chamber of Commerce to register by noon on Wednesday, Oct. 25.
To register for the Spirit Award and Best Scarecrow contests, sign up your business for Trick-or-Treat Street, or to register for Trunk or Treat, call the Chamber at 360-687-1510 or email info@battlegroundchamber.org.
— Source: Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce
