2019 Spookwalk brings kids to the Charles City riverfront for some pre-Halloween trick or treating
Spookwalk 2019 brought out many kids and families to the Charles City riverfront to haul in some candy and wear their favorite costumes. This year's Spookwalk will be a drive-thru event because of COVID-19 concerns. Press file photo
Elijah Deverell had fun dressed as the Joker at Spookwalk in Charles City on Thursday night. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra
Jaxon Schwickerath is first in line at Spookwalk in Charles City. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra
Amber Schwickerath (left) and her son, Jaxon, (far right) are the first in line to attend Spookwalk in Charles City. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra
Axel Comstock (left) Natosha Fairholm have fun at Spookwalk in Charles City on Thursday. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra
Spookwalk brought out many kids and families to the Charles City riverfront to haul in some candy and wear their favorite costumes on Thursday night. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra
Dixie Wilson (left) and Davin Wilson have fun at Spookwalk in Charles City on Thursday.
Spookwalk brought out many kids and families to the Charles City riverfront to haul in some candy and wear their favorite costumes on Thursday night. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra
Spookwalk brought out many kids and families to the Charles City riverfront to haul in some candy and wear their favorite costumes on Thursday night. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra
Deyzi Arenas (left) and Karen Gonzalez have fun at Spookwalk in Charles City on Thursday. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra
Lexie Cordes (left to right), Garrett Scott, Emy Keigley and Kenley Scott have fun at Spookwalk in Charles City on Thursday. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra
Tatum Rings (left) and Claire McRoberts have fun at Spookwalk in Charles City on Thursday. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra
Spookwalk brought out many kids and families to the Charles City riverfront to haul in some candy and wear their favorite costumes on Thursday night. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra
Jacelyn Shears (left) and Joryn Shears have fun at Spookwalk in Charles City on Thursday. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra
Lisa Berends, with First Security Bank, is dressed as Cleopatra at Spookwalk in Charles City on Thursday. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra
Spookwalk brought out many kids and families to the Charles City riverfront to haul in some candy and wear their favorite costumes on Thursday night. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra
The Floyd County Sheriff's Department has fun at Spookwalk dressed as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. From left to right, members of the department are Chad Weber, Travis Bartz, Jeff Crooks, Luke Johnson, Pat Shirley and Cody Van Horn. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra
The McDonald's booth poses for a picture as the sun sets on Spookwalk in Charles City on Thursday evening. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra
By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com
The 24th Annual Spookwalk is Community Revitalization’s longest-running event.
The opportunity for kids and adults to walk along Charles City’s riverfront the week before Halloween to grab some candy and sweet treats from area businesses and organizations has been a successful tradition dating back to the 1990s.
Superheroes from all generations was the theme of this year’s Spookwalk, and that meant Batman, Superman and Spider-Man were well represented. About 1,300-1,500 kids attend the event each year.
“We had seven committee members help us pull this together,” said Jen Solomon, Charles City’s event coordinator. “It’s a great event. I love it.”
Amber Schwickerath and her son, Jaxon, were the first people standing in line at 3 p.m. – a full 2½ hours before the public was allowed to walk the path with 23 booths participating this fall.
That meant it was time to do a little tailgating.
“I thought it started at 4:30 p.m. I had a lawnchair in the back of my car. So then I just sat here and made some phone calls and went to Kwik Star and got some hot chocolate,” said Schwickerath.
This year’s Spookwalk was a bit colder than last year’s event, which may have helped First Baptist Church give away 450 hots dogs, according to Community Development Director Mark Wicks.
“We’ve done this in the rain. We’ve done it when it’s windy. When done this with snow flurries. So this is wonderful,” said Wicks about the 40-degree weather.
He also said 72 kids with special sensory needs navigated the trail at 5 p.m. before the rest of the public started.
Winners of this year’s awards for best booths are as follows:
• Best Use of Theme – Valero.
• Best Non-profit – Floyd County Medical Center Clinic.
• Community Revitalization President’s Choice – McDonald’s.
• Kid’s Choice –Winnebago Industries.
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