Thousands of eager trick-or-treaters filled the back parking lot of Towne Square Mall for nearly three hours Thursday evening. The turnout was more than any of the organizers for the community-led “a LOT of Treats” event ever expected.
By the start time of 4 p.m., most of the lot was full of cars and the line stretched from the former Macy’s to the former JC Penney’s. About 70 booths were set up — with about half representing businesses and the other half just individuals wanting to participate.
By 6 p.m. some of the booths had already had to make candy runs because the turnout was so high.
“It was great. It was much, much more than I could have hoped for,” said Darrell Vanover with Greater Owensboro Realty Company, which served as the host for the event. “I was just happy that we were able to get so many businesses involved. I was happy that so many regular folks were willing to come out and park their cars and give candy to these kids. I never expected that many kids.”
Community members Chris and Leann Bishop spearheaded the event, acting quickly after many people publicly expressed their disappointment that the city’s Trail of Treats had been cancelled. The event was announced two weeks ago and planned on short notice.
“It was amazing that we were able to do all that in just two weeks,” Vanover said. “Credit to Leann and Chris Bishop. They were integral parts of getting it all done. … It just goes to show what a few people can do when they put their minds together.”
The event was free, but proceeds from donations are going toward local nonprofits Friends of Sinners and My Sister’s Keeper. Vanover doesn’t know exactly how much money was raised but said it was pretty close to $5,000.
My Sister’s Keeper is an emergency shelter for women and children that is expected to open in 2022. Angel Welsh has worked with homeless shelters in the community for more than a decade and will bring a dream to fruition with the opening of the shelter.
“This is way more than we could have ever expected and we’re so excited,” Welsh said. “We’re just excited we’re able to serve the community because ultimately, I think everyone that is here tonight, that’s what they wanted to do is serve the community and give the kids something fun to do right.”
Welsh said the money that will go toward My Sister’s Keeper is greatly appreciated, and it will be put right back toward the community.
“We are paying for a building and a parking lot and bathrooms, and we’re trying to get everything started,” she said. “It’s just huge to even be thought of and to be considered and to benefit from this because every little thing counts. And it all goes towards giving back to the people that we’re serving.”
Friends of Sinners, a local Christ-centered drug recovery program, is in the process of moving their men’s houses into a 16,000-square-foot facility on Jackson Street. The new location — formerly the Arc of Owensboro — will house upwards of 30 men and feature a chapel and offices.
The local nonprofit strives to provide a safe and structured post-treatment environment where residents can establish a strong, spiritual foundation in recovery.
Vanover said with the success of this year’s event, organizers already know they want to make it an annual tradition.
“It’s definitely something that we’re gonna do again,” he said. “From a location standpoint, I’m not sure what the future holds. We may have to find a different venue, but I definitely think that it was a great way to raise money for a great cause and it’s not something that’s going to stop anytime soon.”
