Downtown merchants scare up trick-or-treaters
By Elizabeth Billips Associate Editor

Waynesboro merchants are bringing Halloween back to Liberty Square.

On Oct. 31, kids are invited to "Trick or Treat on Liberty Street" from 3-5 p.m.

Merchants are hoping the earlier hours will allow younger trick-or-treaters to get their fill before dark and will help alleviate heavy Halloween night traffic in Waynesboro neighborhoods.

According to Nan Palmer, who chairs the Downtown Organization of Retailers (DOOR), mer- chants are starting small, but plan to build on the event each year with more contests and activities.

This year, the event will focus on door-to-door trick-or-treating with a costume contest at GraphicSmith Studios. Organizers say additional events, like a Jack-o-Lantern contest, are possible, based on business participation.

Non-downtown businesses and organizations may get involved by setting up trick-or-treat stations between storefronts.

Although the street will not be blocked off, Waynesboro police will be on hand to help children cross the street safely.

So far, participants include: Queensborough National Bank & Trust, HeadRush, GraphicSmith Studios, First National Bank, First Burke Insurance, The True Citizen, Chalker Printing and Publications, The Briar Patch, City of Waynesboro Downtown Development, Waynesboro Fire Department, the Waynesboro Exchange Club and the Burke County Chamber of Commerce.

Any local business, church or organization may take part in the event by contacting Amy Lively at 706-554-8100 or alane@- fnbwaynesboro.com.