Boo on Ballard delights with free treats and activities

Downtown Wylie will once again be the site of the annual Boo on Ballard. File art

Terrific fun times are in store for those attending the 18th annual Boo on Ballard event on Thursday, October 24th from 6-8pm in downtown Wylie.

Ballard Avenue will be filled with local businesses and nonprofits handing out free candy to “kids of all ages.” A record number of around 80 companies and organizations are expected, said Robert Heath, event coordinator. Cross Church’s Trunk-or-Treat event offers guests more opportunities to collect candy. Marble Street is lined with more than 25 vehicles filled with treats and unique decorations. The church will also offer fall games and special photo areas for families, according to Dan Marengo, communications minister.

“We love our Wylie community and are privileged to be a part of such a great event,” Marengo said.

While trick-or-treating is a main attraction at Boo on Ballard, participants have access to a variety of activities at Olde City Park. Wylie Parks and Recreation will offer a zipline, mechanical bulls and more at Glow in the Park from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. website. There will also be a DJ on hand to provide music for an ongoing dance party in the park. The Welcome Center at the Brown House hosts its own seasonal dance party and photo opportunities at the Victorian Haunt.

Craig Kelly, public information officer, reported that more than 9,000 people visit Boo on Ballard each year. The community comes together this time of year to have fun, but Kelly also said the event introduces guests to the diversity of businesses in the historic downtown area.

An event of this size requires a year of preparation. That includes modifying the event based on feedback, reaching out to sponsors and meeting with the city’s fire and police departments to create a safety plan, Heath said. Volunteers from the Wylie Downtown Merchants Association and the City of Wylie are meeting to organize the details of the event.

“Wylie has been very good for our businesses and organizations because a lot of nonprofits come to this event,” Heath said. “It’s just our way of giving back to the community and saying, ‘Thank you for a wonderful year.'”

Visit discoverwylie.com to apply for a booth and for more information about Boo on Ballard.

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