This morning my daughter and I headed to the Downtown branch of the Ann Arbor District Library for the Halloween Story Time and Downtown Trick or Treat. This is our fifth and most likely our final year of attending the library story time and trick or treating after. The first year, my daughter was almost 10 months old and we were regulars at the baby play time at the library. This year, she is nearly 5. We had a tight schedule to keep since she had her preschool party starting after lunch. Next year, she will be in Kindergarten, most likely full day so at most we would be able to do some later afternoon downtown trick or treating.
We have watched the library program evolve as it became more popular. In 2006, the program was held in the Youth Story Center and included crafts. However, it was so crowded that not everyone could get in. In 2007, they had it downstairs in the multi-purpose room which was so full that we could not even get into the room. In 2008, I think we skipped the library completely. Last year, in 2009 the library held two sessions of the story time. We attended the earlier session (at 9:30 with trick or treat starting at 11) which was not that crowded. We went and got a snack and then met up with some friends to start trick or treating at 11a.Based on last year’s success, we headed out to the early library session at 9:30. The word must have gotten out about how the earlier session is less crowded since it was more crowded than last year (this year’s weather was also better and may have also been a factor). The library program consisted of several stories and songs. They then had bags and treats available at several locations through the library. We spent some time in the Youth area before heading out at 10:30. We decided to walk up to Main Street and see if the businesses had their trick or treat balloons out. Many did, so we started trick or treating then. It was a very pleasant experience since we were among the first trick or treaters at many places and they were pleased to see us. It was also nice not being caught up in the crowds that tend to descend from the library once the 10:30 story time lets out.
We went north on the east side of Main Street detouring down east on Washington to make sure we visited Schakolad who gives out a homemade treat. I miss the years when my daughter would gladly give me their delicious goody. We had to loop back though because it was still 10:50 and they were not open yet. We finished Main Street at Huron Pkwy and crossed to the west side of the street. The courthouse does participate and I have heard that the candy is plentiful. However, you have to go through courthouse security and cannot bring in cameras or cell phones so we skip that station. We went south down the west side of the street and this time went east on Washington. While trick or treating at Sweetwaters Cafe, I bought a wrap for lunch that I could eat in the car on my way to help with my daughter’s Halloween party. When we got back to Main Street, we noticed that the trick or treating traffic was much heavier especially headed north on Main. We finished out our trick or treat by noon.
While out trick or treating, we also checked out a few fairy doors. My daughter loves the fairy doors.
I am always impressed with the variety of costumes that you see and the creativity of some people. The costumes that stood out to me this year were the group dressed as members of the Michigan Marching Band complete with crafted instruments. There was also a large group from Alice in Wonderland – Adults as Mad Hatter and Queen of Hearts and the kids as the playing cards. They even had their wagon decked out.
Next year, we will probably try to do the Trick or Treat after school. It just isn’t quite the same as making a morning of it.
