Things are about to get spooky on Main Street in Mount Joy. The Mount Joy Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mount Joy Borough Police Department will host Spooktacular Family Fun Night on Friday, Oct. 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. Main Street will be closed from Barbara Street to New Haven Street so people can walk between businesses and organizations for the trick-or-treat event.

"If you have children and love Halloween, this is the place to be," said Robert Goshen, chief of police. "We close down Main Street to enhance safety, and everyone hands out candy to those in costume. Local vendors and shopkeepers will be open, as well as our department and the fire department will be participating. We also will have several characters from Star Wars joining us again."

As Goshen noted, the police department brings in costumed characters, but members of the police force also participate in the holiday fun.

"We invite a local club of Star Wars enthusiasts to join us, and we set up their stage in front of the police department," he said. "We do have a member that dresses up; however, we keep his identity and costume a secret until the evening of the event."

Participants in the Spooktacular Family Fun Night will include businesses and organizations located along Main Street, such as Proclamation Presbyterian Church, Dave's Cleanouts and Collectibles, Our Crafty Ways and Sheetz Funeral Home. Other businesses and organizations that are located beyond Main Street in Mount Joy, including the Milanof-Schock Library and RAISE28, will also participate along the route. Many participants will give out candy, while others will distribute small trinkets such as bookmarks or food such as popcorn, and others will feature games for kids. Some organizations will have food for purchase, including Mount Joy Church of God at 30 E. Main St., where a stand will include hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, drinks and baked goods for sale, with proceeds benefiting the youth group's mission trip in the summer of 2025.

Spooktacular Family Fun Night will offer an opportunity to bring people out for a safe and fun evening of entertainment, Goshen said.

"It's a family-friendly event that highlights Mount Joy Borough businesses and its residents," he commented. "It strengthens relationships and gives visitors a chance to see how strong our community bonds are."

For more information on Spooktacular Family Fun Night, including a list of participants, visit https://mountjoychamber.com.