Ironton hosts annual safe trick or treat, parade

From CVS on Third Street all the way into downtown, children in every costume imaginable were out in full force collecting candy during the safe trick or treat in Ironton Monday evening.

Along with businesses taking part downtown, the Ironton Police Department, health department, Ironton Mayor Katrina Keith, Ironton Kiwanis Club, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and several other businesses set up in the Ironton City Center to pass out candy.

Originally started by the Ironton Business Association, safe trick or treat is a way for Ironton businesses to be involved with the community while also providing a safe environment for children and their families to trick or treat.

“We felt like it was a huge success,” Ironton Mayor Katrina Keith said of the evening. “We had great weather and it was a great time for families to come out and spend time together and support our business district. We’re glad to be able to provide our children with a safe environment to trick or treat.”

After the safe trick or treat, the annual Halloween parade, sponsored by the Ironton Lions Club and the Ironton Rotary Club, took place from the Rotary Fountain to the parking lot of the Ro-Na, where a costume contest took place.

“Safe trick or treat is a safe environment for the children. We enjoy seeing all the kids in their costumes and it’s a good community event for them,” Lou Pyles, of the Ironton Lions Club, said. “We do the parade with the Rotary Club and they judge the costume contest.”

Pyles said that the Lions Club and Rotary Club start putting the Halloween parade together at the beginning of September.

The Ironton High School Million Dollar Marching Band along with the IHS guard performed Halloween themed songs and dance routines to kick off the parade. Also taking part in the safe trick or treat and parade was the Ironton Fire Department.

“It’s important for the community and it’s important for the kids,” Pyles said.