Demorest and Cornelia canceled city-sponsored downtown events due to the threat of bad weather
The Clarkesville Business and Community Association says it’s going ahead with its plans for Trick-Or-Treat on the Square Thursday. The CBCA made the announcement on its Facebook page early Wednesday afternoon.
“Rain or shine, there will be Trick or Treating in Downtown Clarkesville tomorrow night!” the post says. “The costume contest might not go on as planned but there will be candy!”
Businesses in downtown Clarkesville will hand out treats to trick-or-treaters from 5-7 p.m. on October 31.
That’s undoubtedly exciting news for many families who were left disappointed when Demorest and Cornelia canceled their city-sponsored Halloween events due to the threat of bad weather.
Demorest called off its BOO Bash and, instead, will be handing out treats to people who stop by City Hall between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Halloween.
Cornelia canceled its Downtown Trick-Or-Treat. Some downtown businesses may still choose to hand out candy on their own, but it will not be done as an organized event as originally planned.
“Downtown Trick or Treat is one of our most favorite events of the year, so we are just as disappointed as you are.”
In an email to business owners, Downtown Community Development Manager Jessie Owensby writes, “We have made the very difficult decision to cancel Downtown Trick or Treat and hope for better weather next year.”
She went on to explain that the decision to cancel instead of rescheduling was made for several reasons, including scheduling conflicts with Friday night’s Habersham Central Raider home game and business hours: Many downtown Cornelia businesses are closed on Saturday.
Owensby says organizers carefully considered their options in light of the threat of rain and possibly severe weather. She adds, “Downtown Trick or Treat is one of our most favorite events of the year, so we are just as disappointed as you are.”
Neighborhood trick-or-treating
The cancellations in Cornelia and Demorest do not affect neighborhood trick-or-treating. That will be left to individual homeowners to decide.
Hazel Avenue houses will be open and ready for some trick or treaters!!! 🎃👻 – Cari Brewster of Demorest
Some residents in the popular trick-or-treating neighborhood of Tower Mountain in Cornelia are posting on social media that they still plan to welcome trick-or-treaters on Halloween.
“In the Tower Mountain Neighborhood we will prepare as usual with the exception of automatically closing roads,” says Cornelia City Manager Dee Anderson. “We will have Public Safety personnel in the area and the decision to close roads will be based on the turnout.” He adds, “As always our number one concern is the safety of the participants.”
Residents in other neighborhoods throughout Habersham County will be handing out candy as well.
Cari Brewster, who lives on Hazel Avenue in Demorest, says she and her neighbor “spent way too much” getting ready for Halloween. They’ve got the decorations and candy and are eager to see trick-or-treaters in their neighborhood.
Moving it indoors
Despite the weather, there are still plenty of local activities kids can enjoy.
The Torch Worship Center is holding its annual Family Fun Night from 6-8 p.m. this evening (Wednesday, October 30) at the church. Organizers say outdoor activities have been moved indoors and the event will go on as scheduled. It will be held at the church located at 800 Cannon Bridge Road in Demorest.
Bethlehem Baptist Church and Cornelia United Methodist Church are also sponsoring family fun nights as part of their Wednesday night church activities. Both events start at 6 p.m. on October 30. Costumes are welcome.
Hazel Creek Baptist Church will hold its annual Hazelween from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 31. The church is located at 243 Hazel Creek Church Road, Mount Airy, GA 30563
And, Treats at Truett is still scheduled from 6-9 p.m. on Halloween. The free community event will be held, rain or shine, on the Truett McConnell University campus on Highway 115 in Cleveland.
