Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE | Special to the Reporter

COLUMBIANA – For those looking for a trick or treat event to attend, or something to do before heading out on Halloween night, the city of Columbiana and Columbiana Main Street are partnering together for Monsters on Main.

Formerly called the Monster Walk, the name was changed and rebranded several years ago when Main Street Columbiana became a partner.

“It happens every year on Halloween on Main Street in Columbiana,” said Ali Payne, manager of community services for the city of Columbiana. “We close Main Street and businesses and other organizations set up tables and dress in costumes to hand out candy.”

Payne said that last year, attendance was estimated at 4,500 and 62 businesses participated. Currently, there are 52 businesses registered with more expected to join the list by the time registration ends on Oct. 25.

While the exact date of its origin isn’t known, Payne estimates the event has taken place for more than 20 years.

“It started a long time ago when Columbiana had a merchant’s association and wanted to get people downtown to boost business,” Payne said. “It is a great community event and brings lots of people to Columbiana who may not otherwise not come. It also provides another option for children to trick or treat, especially the younger kids who have earlier bedtimes.

Columbiana Main Street was established in 2016 and partners with the city on many events, as well as doing some of their own, as a way to bring people into the city.

Sara Catherine Pennington with Calera Main Street said this is the organization’s third year partnering on this event as well as promoting it. They will have a booth and will be handing out candy also.

“I’ve been before with my kids, and there’s always a really big turnout,” Pennington said. “It’s a huge event.”

Pennington said some families trick or treat at Monsters on Main before going around to houses, while others come to the event so they can finish trick or treating early.

The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. and end at 6 p.m. Trick or treat lines will begin in the roundabout on Broadway by Just a Tish with another starting at the Shelby County Reporter. Halloween music will also be playing during the event.

There will be food trucks on site, along with free hot dogs from Cultivate Church and hot dogs and chili from First Baptist Church of Columbiana. Both are free to guests.

Parking is located at Old Mill Square or the courthouse overflow lot. Main Street will be closed from the roundabout to Carter’s Lane beginning at 4 p.m.

For more information, visit Cityofcolumbiana.com or the city’s Facebook page.