Trick-or-Treating Event Expected to Draw Thousands to Downtown Kirkwood Tonight

Thousands of families are expected to descend on Downtown Kirkwood tonight as 18 businesses open their doors for trick-or-treating from 5-7 p.m.

The Downtown Kirkwood Special Business District estimates 2-4,000 people will take part in what's become tradition for the special shopping district and a treat for visitors and business owners.

"It's a nice way for the businesses to give back to the community and for the community to celebrate our local businesses and the hometown atmosphere and walkability of Downtown Kirkwood," said Donna Poe, executive director of the Downtown Kirkwood Special Business District.

According to Poe, the Halloween Week started informally when a group of merchants on West Jefferson Avenue decided to open their doors for trick-or-treating. The event was so well received that the business district expanded it to a Downtown Kirkwood event that has taken place for the past 10 years.

Participating Businesses

This year's participating businesses are:

• Amigos Cantina, 120 W. Jefferson
• BLUSH Boutique, 110 N. Clay
• Bug Store, 113 W. Argonne
• Clay & Cotton, 159 W. Argonne
• 107 N. Kirkwood
• Down by the Station, 150 W. Argonne
• E.L. Riley, 118 W. Jefferson
• Fun in the Sun Sports, 121 N. Kirkwood
• Greentree Church, 132 E. Monroe
• Greentree Pharmacy, 301 S. Kirkwood
• Head to Dancewear, 200 W. Argonne
• KinderCare Learning Center, 341 S. Kirkwood
• Kirkwood Public Library,140 E. Jefferson
• Lucille Rapp Dance Studio, 153 W. Argonne
• Mavrik, 200 S. Kirkwood
• McArthur's Bakery, 113 N. Kirkwood
• Old Dog New Treats, 100 W. Jefferson
• Summa Jewelers, 115 W. Argonne

Harvest Party

In addition to goodies from local businesses, three restaurants are serving up some foodie fun in a hot-dog competition as part of Greentree Community Church's Harvest Party which will be located on the parking lot next to the Greentree Community Church office at 132 E. Monroe Ave.

This year's theme of the party is the "hot dog throw down."Mike Duffy's, Pickleman's and Bar Louie are creating a signature "dog" with toppings and the crowds will be able to vote for their favorite. Games are all dog themed and the Ozark Mountain Band will be providing entertainment. There also will be a balloon artist.

The Kirkwood Farmers' Market also will be open and kids can get candy at the market. They also can pose for pictures in front of the Harvest Market's pumpkins and sope out decorative scareacrows in the Market Greenway as part of a contest. You can vote for your favorite scarecrow at the City of Kirkwood's website.

The Downtown Kirkwood Halloween Walk is coordinated by the Downtown Kirkwood Special Business District with support from Fun in the Sun Sports.

To Readers:

Are you dressing up and heading to Downtown Kirkwood tonight? If so, share photos of through our Pics&Clips gallery. Just click "Upload Photos."

Check out photos from last year's event:

• Photo Gallery: Kirkwood Halloween Walk 2011