Halloween Main-ia brings spooky fun to downtown Winchester


Halloween Main-ia brings spooky fun to downtown Winchester

Published 9:30 am Monday, October 30, 2023

Halloween is always a special day for kids and, in many cases, adults.

Yet in Winchester, the community once again rallied to create an extra special occasion.

On Saturday, Oct. 28, the yearly Halloween Main-ia took place in downtown Winchester for all to enjoy.

Email newsletter signup

“It’s a way for our organizations and businesses across the community to show up and really show the community how much they support them,” said Cameron Correll, the marketing and events director for Winchester First. “We get people downtown and see all the fun things we’ve got happening here.”

Up and down Main Street, stretching as far as Lexington Avenue and Washington Street, businesses and organizations lined up to hand out candies to costumed kids and adults and wish others a happy Halloween.

Among them were Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC), Bluegrass Pediatric Therapies, Mountain Comprehensive Care Center, Clark County Public Library, Perkins Auto Detailing, White, Greer, & Maggard Orthodontics, and many more.

Downtown establishments, such as Smokin’ Howard’s Sports Bar & Grill and High Speed Collectibles, opened their doors to trick-or-treaters.

At the same time, the windows and roof atop Mason on Main’s Antique Store and other places were decorated.

Along with inflatable bounce houses for kids to enjoy, food and drink vendors, including Tutu’s Sweet Treats and Cookies & Cream, were present.

Making their first appearance, Liberty Bible Church of God gave out KitKat bars, Milk Duds and more.

“We are overwhelmed. It’s been awesome!” said Pastor Anthony Molihan. “I’m wanting to get more involved in things that [are] going on here in Winchester.”

While passing out a variety of candies, Cassandra and James Reed – who recently created the Harper Reign Foundation to honor their late daughter – sought philanthropic action.

“We do [a] toy drive…we want to get where we can help other families and stuff,” said James Reed.

With the Halloween festivities, many youth got in the spirit.

Costumes included a dragon, different princesses, Chucky from the film “Child’s Play,” Woody and Buzz from “Toy Story,” the red and pink Power Ranger, both Joker and Batman, Waldo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Scooby Doo, Snow White, and even a basketball player accompanied by a referee.

Of course, impressively, the youth were not the only ones dressed up.

Adults got dressed as multiple characters, such as Michael Myers from the “Halloween” film series.

While Winchester City Commissioner Hannah Toole presented candy dressed as The Bride of Frankenstein, Clark County Fiscal Court Magistrate Mark Miller got into the spirit and was nearly unrecognizable thanks to a costume that included a flannel shirt, overalls, ponytail and fake teeth.

Clark County Detention Center Jailer Frank Doyle and members of the Winchester Police Department handed out candy, as did Clark County Sheriff Will Perdue and staff.

Clark County Fire Chief Steve Asbury, giving away treats next to a stationary truck, dressed as NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby from the film “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.”

“We just like to be part of the community,” said Asbury. “I can’t believe how many people are actually here…I knew there would be a lot, but I did not figure all of these people.”

Correll estimated that between 3,000-5,000 people were present for the event.

Shelby Cottrell attended with son Jadin Estes and daughter Mackenzie Estes.

Her friend, Kristan Battaile, joined and was accompanied by daughter Kaislee Ginter.

The children, who ranged in age from three- to nine years old, were dressed as Harry Potter, Baby Shark and a black cat.

“I love Halloween Main-ia,” said Cottrell. “I’ve been doing it since we were younger…and then doing it with our own kids [is] tradition.”

“Kaislee loves it out here,” said Battaile. “She sees all of her classmates, and she loves looking at all the decorations and all the costumes.”

As was evident on Saturday, the success of Halloween Main-ia continues to grow.

“As the years have progressed, the amount of people who come out [have] really increased,” Correll said.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *