Boone Village Halloween party - Zionsville Monthly Magazine

Times have changed. Kids have changed. Costumes have changed. But Boone Village Shopping Center has offered a safe venue for trick-or-treating for almost 40 years! Growing up, my husband, Mark, lived just north of where Pleasant View Elementary School is now situated, and he can remember only a handful of houses between there and Zionsville Community High School. Trick-or-treating could be treacherous on dark country roads. At that time, Zionsville consisted mostly of country roads, so Halloween was celebrated at parties in people’s houses or not at all. By 1973, a new shopping center sprung up, and shortly thereafter, members of the merchant’s association agreed to don costumes and host a Halloween party in an effort to promote their respective businesses. Treat or Treaters lined up for costume contest at Boone Village Bill Kern, original merchant and owner of Kern Brothers Shoes, estimates that between 600 and 800 trick-or-treaters come through the shopping center each year. Those first children have returned with their own children and grandchildren to enjoy the festivities which have changed slightly over the years – no more bobbing for apples… Each year, trophies are awarded for the best costume in several categories. Kern admits his favorites are usually the homemade ones, but he does remember when Star Wars hit theaters, and every other kid was Darth Vader. “That was a big deal back in the day,” he said. However, today’s safety concerns are more than just dark country roads, so parents are thrilled to be provided with supervised trick-or-treating options. While a variety of venues seem to come and go from year to year, the merchants of Boone Village Shopping Center have stayed the course. They continue to welcome goblins of all ages! This year’s festivities are scheduled for Tuesday, October 29 from 5:30-7 pm. Costumes will be judged at 6 pm. Possible Side Bar Halloween Safety Tips ● Adults should always accompany young children ● Holes in masks should be large enough to allow good peripheral vision ● All candy should be checked by an adult ● Know your route ● Use a flashlight ● Never enter a stranger’s house ● Walk on sidewalks ● Don’t step out from between parked cars ● Wear shoes that fit properly ● Adhere reflective tape to costume or trick-or-treat bag ● Wear a watch ● Carry a cell phone if possible

Boone Village: A Sweet Place to Trick-or-Treat

Boone Village: A Sweet Place to Trick-or-Treat