HOLMES BEACH – Island kids are lucky during Halloween because they have two opportunities to wear their costumes and win a prize.
This practice has been going on for years and it gives trick-or-treaters a chance to collect treats safely and work off some of the sugar rush they will get devouring them.
The Anna Maria Elementary School PTO hosts its Fall Festival at Holmes Beach city field on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students participating in the costume contest should arrive at 9 a.m. at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. Judging starts at 9:15 a.m., and the costume parade to the field begins at 9:30 a.m. Winners will be announced at 10 a.m., and then it’s time for the kids to enjoy themselves playing games (each classroom sponsors one) with prizes, bounce houses, food and drinks and a DJ playing music.
The kids will want to keep their costumes available for Tuesday, Oct. 31, when the Chamber holds its Trail of Treats from 3:30 to 7 p.m. or later. Judging begins at 3:30 p.m. at the Chamber with awards in eight categories in four age groups.
After the awards are given, kids will be free to trick or treat at participating businesses first in Holmes Beach, where police will assist the kids crossing the street. After that, they can visit businesses in Anna Maria along Pine Avenue and in Bradenton Beach on Bridge Street. The Chamber will hand out maps for the kids and parents to use.
