’Bula downtown merchants kick off trick or treating early

By WARREN DILLAWAY - Staff Writer
Star Beacon

November 01, 2009 01:22 am

— ASHTABULA — Hundreds of area children got an early start on trick or treating Saturday as downtown merchants opened their businesses to ghosts, goblins and other costumed children.
Jackie Turner was driving through downtown and saw the fun and frivolity and decided it would be fun for her grandchildren. “I went and got them quick,” she said of her grandchildren Teanna and Alyssa Turner.
Alexandra Tomasio waited for the children wth bags of candy at Casa Cappelli’s Restaurant on Main Avenue. “Lots of scary costumes and pretty costumes,” she said of the visitors to the restaurant.
Tomasio estimated that more than 200 children visited. “About 10 pounds of candy worth,” she said.
Courtney Santiago and her family got into the spirit of the event and walked the streets checking out the different opportunities.
“We’re actually going in businesses I haven’t been in,” she said.
Which was just the idea the Ashtabula Downtown Development Association had when they started the event about five years ago.
“I think it brings people downtown,” said Jane Haines, owner of Ultimate Appearance.
“We had more than 300 kids,” she said.
“Next year we’ll make 400 bags,” Haines said.

Photos

WARREN DILLAWAY / Star Beacon JACKIE TURNER (back left) brought her grandchildren Teonna Turner, 5, (middle receiving candy from Alexandra Tomasio) and Alyssa Turner, 3, (lower left) to Casa Cappelli's Restaurant and other downtown merchants for an early trick or treating experience Saturday. The event is sponsored by the Ashtabula Downtown Development Association.