Costumes ranged from the frightful to family-friendly, and this year, "Squid Game" and "Scooby Doo" were among the favorites in 2025. (Metro Wire photo)

Downtown trick-or-treat draws more than 2,000 in Stevens Point

By Brandi Makuski

STEVENS POINT – Downtown Stevens Point was packed with ghosts, superheroes, and other costumed characters Saturday afternoon as more than 2,000 people turned out for the annual Downtown Halloween Trick-or-Treating event.

The two-hour celebration filled Main Street with families and costumed teens enjoying candy, games, and contests. Organizers with the Stevens Point Downtown Business Improvement District said attendance was higher than last year, with a noticeable uptick in teenagers joining the fun.

This year marked the first time Main Street was fully closed to traffic for the event, allowing space for vendor tents sponsored by downtown businesses, costume contests, and interactive games. A festive photo area featuring hay bales and pumpkins gave families a chance to capture seasonal snapshots.

It was also the downtown’s first large event since bringing on board its new director, Karen Margelofsky, whose family helped operate some of the games.

“This is really shaping up to be a great event, and I think we’ll have more in store next year, too,” Margelofsky said.

The Stevens Point Fire Department made its debut appearance this year, with firefighters handing out candy and raising the department’s aerial ladder for kids to see up close.

The annual event, organized by the Downtown Business Improvement District, aims to promote local businesses while providing a safe and festive environment for families.