The Salisbury Jaycees holds its ninth annual Treat Street safe trick-or-treating event, presented by Robinson’s Family of Businesses, this Monday on the Downtown Plaza.

In the event of rain, activities will move indoors to the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Business Center, 144 East Main St.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with registration at the corner of West Main and North Division streets. Candy tables will be open on the Plaza from 6 to 8 p.m., with games, storytelling, local mascots, photo opportunities and other activities available from 6 to 9 p.m.

This year’s Treat Street features four themed areas: Main Street U.S.A., sponsored by Nock Insurance; Candy Canyon, sponsored by Davis Bowen & Friedel Inc.; Drive-In Square, sponsored by Farmers Bank of Willards; and Playtown, sponsored by Coastal Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. The Salisbury University Student Government Association sponsors games during the evening.

Attractions include hands-on activities, face painting and a coloring area, as well as freshly popped popcorn presented by St. Francis de Sales Boy Scout Troop 185. Admission is free and the public is invited.

Children must register that evening to participate. Registration is open for children through age 11. All children must wear costumes and be accompanied by an adult. Adults may dress up, but are encouraged to make their costumes non-scary and appropriate for young children.

Candy bags for children who do not bring their own will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 500 registrants receive coloring books.

Treat Street was founded in 2008 in response to local media reports that fewer local parents were allowing their children to trick-or-treat due to increasing crime, including child predators. It has since grown into the city’s largest annual child-friendly Halloween block party. The U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce has named it the nation’s No. 1 community event.

This year’s Treat Street is made possible through support from sponsors and in-kind donors including Avery W. Hall Insurance; The Bank of Delmarva; Coastal Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning; Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; David Smith Consulting; Davis Bowen & Friedel; Farmers Bank of Willards; The Greene Turtle; Kuhn’s Jewelers; Livingston Wealth Management; Joe Marciano; Amy, Richard and Matthew Meekins; Mindfully Anchored; Nock Insurance; Peninsula Regional Medical Center; Pepsi Bottling Ventures of Delmarva; Robinson’s Family of Businesses; Remedy Church; Harriet Rhodes; Richard A. Henson Foundation; Rotary Club of Salisbury; Don Rutledge; St. Francis de Sales Boy Scout Troop 185; Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce; Salisbury Independent; Salisbury Police Department; Salisbury Storage Warehouse; Salisbury University; Salisbury University Student Government Association; Servpro of the Lower Shore; Sub Runners; Randy Taylor; Toys R Us; and Woodforest Bank.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information call 410-251-0402, or email chairman Jason Rhodes at jason@salisburyjc.com.

Comprised of area residents ages 18-40, the Salisbury Jaycees has provided social, community and leadership training activities for its members since 1940. For more information on the chapter, visit www.salisburyjc.com or the Salisbury Jaycees Facebook page at facebook.com/salisburyjaycees.

Salisbury hours

Trick-or-treat times within the limits are 5 to 8 p.m.

While Halloween is fun for ghosts, goblins, and people of all ages, city officials warn the most important thing on Halloween is safety.

The Salisbury Police Department has few tips to ensure this Halloween is a memorable and SAFE evening for everyone:

1.       MOTORISTS: If you will be driving in or around Salisbury on the night of the 31st, please be alert and look out for the additional pedestrians which trick-or-treating brings to the streets.  Please drive safely near pedestrians and watch for people running from house-to-house in neighborhoods.  If you remember one thing, let it be this: SLOW DOWN.
2.       PEDESTRIANS: If you or your little ghouls plan on trick-or-treating this year, please watch for cars, and make sure to cross streets at designated crosswalks when they are available.  Also, please make sure that your group is wearing bright or reflective clothing, and at least one grown up is carrying a flashlight or other light source.
3.       When trick-or-treating, never enter a stranger’s house, and never accept a ride from anyone without your parents’ permission.  Only accept unopened store bought treats, and inspect all of your treats in a well-lit area at home before eating them.