With the arrival of October and spooky season, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is going to help kids of all ages celebrate Halloween for the fourth straight year by hosting the family-friendly “Halloween in the Booro” celebration in the downtown core and, new this year, in East City.
Running from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, the free event features spook-tacular family fun including trick-or-treating at more than 45 businesses in the downtown and East City, whimsical costumed characters stationed along George Street and surrounding blocks, and a family fun zone with a Halloween-themed photobooth and costume contests for kids, adults, and pets.
As well as bringing the community together to celebrate the year’s sweetest day in downtown Peterborough (which the DBIA has branded “The Boro”), Halloween in the Booro shines a spotlight on the locally owned, independent businesses that make The Boro a special and unique destination.
By drawing hundreds of families to the core, the event creates opportunities for residents to discover local businesses, increases evening foot traffic, and supports the small business community that is central to Peterborough’s economy.
“Halloween in the Booro is one of our favourite events,” says DBIA executive director Nour Mazloum in a media release.
“It brings local families and merchants together for a safe, welcoming night of family-friendly fun that highlights everything we love about our downtown. It makes our city feel like home and creates the kinds of memories that keep people returning to the downtown as a destination for their family to enjoy unique activities.”
Participating businesses like the Boardwalk Game Lounge at 261 George Street North will be decorating their storefronts and handing out Halloween treats.
“We’ve loved seeing how Halloween in the Booro has continued to grow each year, bringing more families downtown and shining a light on local businesses,” says co-owner Dylan Reinhart.
“It’s become a tradition for many, and events like this are a great reminder of how vibrant and welcoming our downtown really is.”
Halloween in the Booro is free for everyone to attend, and the Peterborough DBIA encourages families — locals and visitors alike — to come downtown and join the celebration.
For a list of participating businesses and an official trick-or-treat map, visit theboro.ca/program/halloween/.
To keep up to date on Halloween in the Booro and other DBIA events, visit theboro.ca and follow The Boro on Instagram and Facebook.
