The Mainstreet Cleveland 31st annual downtown Halloween Block Party will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 31, beginning at 5 p.m.
One of the event favorites, according to organizers, is the Costume Contest, with all types of amazing creations worn by everyone from pets to children and parents. The costume contest is sponsored by Mars Chocolate and begins at 6 p.m. on the Fun Stage at the Post Office Annex.
Costumes will be judged in age categories of zero to two years, three to five years, six to eight years, nine to 12 years, 13 to 15 years and 16 years to adults. Trophies will be awarded to first, second, and third place in all age categories and each participant will receive Halloween treats, compliments of Mars Chocolate.
Treat Street is sponsored by Mars Chocolate opens at 6 p.m. and is located on Church Street in front of the Police Services Center. It is a favorite among children, as Church Street is transformed into a candy land for kids. Children visiting Treat Street are assured a big bag full of Mars Chocolate goodies with Cooke’s Food Store providing 10,000 grocery bags to hold the candy.
A full line-up of entertainment is planned on three stages. Entertainment begins at 5 p.m. on the Main Stage at the Courthouse Plaza, with a performance by Raw Art Dance & Entertainment.
At 6 p.m., local favorite “Bad Tattoo” takes the Courthouse stage. The Back Alley Stage, located behind Craigmiles Hall in the Back Alley Gallery, opens with the Joel Beaver Band beginning at 6 p.m. and is located behind Craigmiles Hall in the Back Alley Gallery.
“The Entice Band” headlines the event at 8 p.m., with a two-hour concert. The Entice Band performs Motown, soul and funk classics, along with hits of today. "The group has been wowing audiences in the Nashville area for over 20 years," organizers said.
The DARE Midway will be filled with inflatable bounce houses, including a giant slide. The DARE Midway is sponsored by the Cleveland Police Department and Bradley County Sheriff’s Department. At 7 p.m. on the Fun Stage, dance to electronic dance music by Velocity of Sound DJ’s.
"School, churches and local businesses complete the festival atmosphere as they fill the vendor booths around the Courthouse Square. There are plenty of activities at the booths, including candy, commemorative photos, great food and more. Enjoy all types of foods, including barbecue ribs, grilled chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs, funnel cakes, Italian and Greek cuisine and much more," organizers said.
“This long-standing Halloween tradition would not be possible without the generosity of so many community-minded local businesses. We greatly appreciate our sponsors for making the Halloween Block Party possible”, said Sharon Marr, executive director of Mainstreet Cleveland.
Sponsors include at the Platinum level: Check Into Cash; Treat Street - Mars Chocolate; Gold level includes City of Cleveland Police Department, Coca Cola Consolidated Bottling Company; silver level sponsors are Andrew Johnson Bank, Bradley County Sheriff’s Department, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Pioneer Jewelry, Pioneer Auto, and Waste Connections of TN. Bronze sponsors include Bradley Cleveland Community Services, Cleveland State Community College, Cricket Wireless, G. Scott Kanavos, First Tennessee Bank and Wacker Charleston.
In-kind sponsors include Apple Valley Orchard, Bradley County, City of Cleveland, Cleveland/Bradley Courts Community Service, Cleveland Daily Banner, Cleveland Utilities, Cooke’s Food Store and Super Savers, Cleveland Utilities, Keep America Beautiful, Shannon & Associates Advertising Group, WCLE Mix 104.1 and 101.3 Buzz.
For more information on this free family event, contact Mainstreet Cleveland at 479-1000.