First National Bank

The beloved annual Safe Trick-or-Treats and Costume Contest is downtown again this year, according to the event coordinator Christa Smith-Prieto with The First National Bank in Trinidad.

As usual, the bank is working with the City of Trinidad and Trinidad Police Department to have portions of Main and Commercial Streets closed to traffic during the event to ensure the safety of the trick-or-treaters.

Grace Christian School student volunteers have been out canvassing area businesses to solicit participation in this year’s Safe Trick-or-Treats for Kids and Costume Contest that will take place on Thursday, October 31, from 3 to 5 p.m.

To become a participating merchant, simply sign up when a Grace Christian School student visits your business. Display the green event flier in your storefront window and have treats ready for trick-or-treaters on Thursday, October 31. A list of participating businesses will be published in The Chronicle News the Friday before Halloween. If you want to sign up, but have not been contacted by a student volunteer by October 15, a flier, along with the voting tokens, can be picked up at The First National Bank in Trinidad, main office at 100 E. Main Street in Trinidad.

Here’s how the costume contest works. On Thursday, October 31, between 3 and 5 p.m. each participating merchant will take part in selecting the winners by placing their “vote” with trick-or-treaters as they visit their store. Ten voting tokens will be provided to each participating merchant. When a business owner sees a costume they think deserves a vote, they give the child a token in their treat bag.

The children return to The First National Bank main lobby at 5 p.m. to have their “votes” counted. Prizes will be awarded for the top three costumes.

“We’re excited to be able to continue to sponsor this event, which has become a Trinidad tradition and an excellent way to support the youth in our community,” said Smith-Prieto. “Keeping everyone safe while having a fun time is our primary goal!”