MANISTEE -- UpNorthLive's Facebook fans voted to hear more about the transformation Manistee will be making as it becomes "Halloween Town"!
Although Halloween isn't until October 31, on Saturday the 22nd you'll think that downtown Manistee is spooky central with the 2nd annual installment of Boos, Brews & Brats.
"Boos, Brews & Brats seemed to really fit the bill last year," says Travis Alden, MSDDA Director. "It's a fun event that gets people into the Halloween spirit. Plus, we do it on the weekend prior to Halloween, so it doesn't conflict with the typical party plans and such going on that weekend."
Central to the event is what kids always look forward to: trick or treating.
The official Downtown Manistee trick-or-treat is from 4-6pm on the 22nd, with nearly all businesses downtown participating; handing out goodies to little ghouls and goblins. The trick or treating is intended for children ages twelve and under.
Homeward Bound Animal Shelter is hosting a "Howl-O-Ween" pet parade on River Street, starting at 3:30pm. The parade of costumed pets will proceed down River Street starting at Greenbush Street and ending at Synder's Shoes.
There will be treats for the animals and some fun prizes. Those bringing pets are asked to check in at the corner of River and Greenbush at 3:15pm.
A new addition to this year's event is the Monster Dash. A sped-up take on the popular "zombie walk" trend, anyone and everyone is encouraged to don a costume and show up at the corner of River and Maple Streets (in front of the Ramsdell Inn) at 3:45pm.
Just before 4:00, all those in costume - kids, adults, anyone - will line up on River Street and will sprint two blocks to the Manistee Inn & Marina parking lot entrance. "Just picture a mob of people - all dressed in costume - dashing down River Street," says Alden.
When the Monster Dashers arrive at Manistee Inn & Marina, it will signal the opening of the event tent, which will be located in that parking lot. The tent lends the event two of its namesake words: brews and brats. A variety of autumn-themed beers will be on tap, and the Manistee Elks will be grilling a variety of flavored bratwurst. All drink proceeds will go toward the MSDDA's downtown revitalization efforts and brat proceeds will support the Manistee Elks.
The brews on tap include Michigan-made beers such as Frankenmuth Oktoberfest, Saugatuck Brewing IPA, Badass Lager, Founders Porter, and more.
Sam Adams Octoberfest will also be available, as well as wine from Moving Spirit Wine Shop and a variety of Woodchuck hard ciders.
Live music will ring throughout the evening, courtesy of Big Mont & The Magic Moment. Monte Klien and Company's radio-ready classic rock tunes are the perfect soundtrack for the evening. A costume contest is scheduled for 8:30pm under the tent, with Downtown Dollars going to the top three winners.
Placing is determined by audience applause, so be sure to bring your friends!
Various downtown businesses will have activities going on during the day, including halloween-themed children's book readings at Play Clothes, face painting with Becko the Clown at The Bookstore, and more.
For more information, please see the "Manistee Marketplace" facebook page, visit www.manisteedowntown.com or contact the Main Street DDA at 231-398-3262.
If you would like to help choose the news, take part in our Facebook Story of the Day segment. Each afternoon three new stories are posted to our facebook fan page. You have until 9 a.m. the following day to cast your vote for the story you would like to see on 7&4 News at 6.
