By Payton Tholstrup

Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual “All Treats Day” on Thursday, October 24th, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Children of all ages and their parents are welcome to wear costumes and march behind the Junction City High School Marching Band as they lead the parade down Washington from 10th to 6th streets. After the parade, children can trick or treat at the participating businesses set up along the parade route.

Kelly Cook, Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Director of Member Relations, said that the planning portion for all their events takes about 3 to 4 months. She said that the number of participants at All Treats Day increases each year. “We distributed over 1,000 pieces of candy last year. We estimate that there were 500+ participants last year and we are expecting more this year.”

A variety of businesses and organizations will participate in the event. Flint Hills Church will be providing balloon animals at Washington & 9th, while the United Way will have a hot dog stand at 807 N Washington. This year, there will also be a haunted bus provided by First Student, the USD 475 bus services provider, parked between Washington and Jefferson (near the C.L. Hoover Opera House for those who are familiar with that).

Children and their families can head to the Community Center from 6-7:30 p.m. to participate in games, treats, and more.

“This event is a great opportunity for businesses to support the community in a fun and interactive way. The Junction City Police Department, Junction City High School Band, and the Junction City Cheerleaders lead the walking route each year,” Cook said.

For those who would like to participate in the parade, the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce asks everyone to meet at Washington between 10th and 9th streets at 5:15 p.m.