Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Gatesville’s Boozaar is just around the corner and will be taking place on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 6 until 8 p.m. on the courthouse square. In the past, between 60 and 70 businesses and organizations have participated to hand out candy and provide games for the children. This year, two military units will be joining the festivities.
For more than 20 years, Boozaar has provided Gatesville with a free and safe family Halloween experience. In 2000, the city of Gatesville, along with local businesses and organizations, came together to provide treat stops and game booths for kids of all ages. Now a tradition in our community, Boozaar is the most well-attended event of the year.
Treat stops are businesses located on the square of the Boozaar route. They will be handing out treats from the sidewalk in front of their business to kids as they make their way around the route. TreatStations are businesses that are not located downtown but set up booths around the square to provide free candy, games and activities for families. There is no charge to set up a treat station.
Vendors can host a food booth, sell Halloween-related items or charge for a game or activity. Vendor booths are $55 for commercial businesses and $30 for non-profit. Any items sold must be Halloween related. Oct. 25 will be the last day to sign up to participate.
In addition, there will be a costume contest with categories for all ages. The costume contest will be held at 7th and Leon. It will start promptly at 6:15 p.m. (courthouse clock time). It moves fast, so contestants need to be on time, so they won’t miss their age category. No registration is necessary. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category. Family/friends theme costumes must have a central idea (“Wizard of Oz,” “Flintstones,” etc.).
For more information about Boozaar, please contact Faye Nichols at the Gatesville Public Library at 254-865-5367. To sign up for spaces, please visit www.gatesvilletx.com.
