Costumed kids will get more than one chance to trick-or-treat in Marshalltown this Halloween season.

“Haunt the Block” is coming to the downtown area on Oct. 28. From 3 to 6 p.m.,, the whole family can tour the district as over 20 local businesses will be participating in a trick-or-treat event.

Marshalltown Central Business District Promotions Chair Alushia Fitzgerald said she got the idea while visiting Iowa Falls.

“We were actually in town one year when they trick-or-treating in their downtown, and we just had the thought of, ‘Wouldn’t that be great for Marshalltown to do a little trick-or-treating in our downtown community as a way for kids and families to come downtown and interact with business owners and store owners in a way other than shopping?'” Fitzgerald asked.

Marshalltown Central Business District Executive Director Deb Millizer said the event is an opportunity for residents to make memories and for local business owners to have some fun.

“Personally, I love it when we create an opportunity for families to create memories. If this is something that gains momentum, and we can do it every year for people to look forward to, that’s what I’m most looking forward to,” Millizer said. “I would love to see it turn into an annual event, get more people involved and make it another reason for people to enjoy our downtown.”

Fitzgerald and Millizer said many business owners were excited to get involved and volunteer, and those participating are welcome to dress up in costume and decorate their business for the spooky season. While residents may not be shopping the night of trick-or-treating, the event can help others discover stores and businesses they weren’t aware of previously.

“It puts the businesses in front of the community,” Millizer said.

With the upcoming “Haunt the Block” being the first of its kind, Millizer said she wants to gauge how the first run goes before looking to expand in the future. If it goes well, a more adult-oriented portion of the event such as a pub crawl may be considered.

“We just hope everybody will come down and enjoy the festivities, and hopefully it’ll grow in years to come,” Millizer said.

Fitzgerald said she is excited to see what costumes people will dress up in this season.

“I love Halloween, so I get really excited to see kids in costumes and just the excitement of kids getting candy. I think it’s great,” she said.

Traditional trick-or-treating in Marshalltown’s residential neighborhoods is set for Halloween night, Oct. 31.

Participating Businesses

• Black Tire Bike Company –117 W. Main Street

• Big Brothers Big Sisters — setup at 12 W. Main Street

• Brit Marie’s Country Lace — 13 W. Main Street

• Edward Jones — Financial Advisor: Bruce Wirin, AAMS® — 16 E. Main Street

• Escape on Main — 30 E. Main Street

• Great Western Bank — 11 N. 1st Avenue

• Hellberg’s Jewelers –13 W. Main Street

• Marla’s Headliner Salon–Gifts –118 W. Main Street

• Main Street Antiques –105 W. Main Street

• Main Street Dental–210 W. Main Street

• Marshall County Sheriff’s Office — In front of the Courthouse

• Marshalltown Central Business District + CGA Consultants — 16 E. Main Street

•​ Marshalltown Fire Department–In front of the Courthouse

• ​Marshalltown Police Department–In front of the Courthouse

• Marshalltown Probation/Parole Office– In front of the Masonic Temple 26 S. 1st Ave.

• Marshalltown Public Library –105 W. Boone Street

• McGregors Furniture –111 W. Main Street

• OPA! Grill Mediterranean American Restaurant — 4 W. Boone Street

• QPS Employment Group –126 E. Main Street

• Real Deals — Marshalltown, IA– 122 E. Main Street

• Sign Creations–111 S. 1st Avenue

• Smokin’ G’s BBQ Catering –25 W. Main Street

• Staging 2 Sell It–1 W. Main Street

• Taylor’s Maid Rite — 106 S. 3rd Avenue

• 3rd Generation Upholstery– 218 E. Main Street

• Wax Xtatic Record Audio Stereo Shop –18 W. Main

• Zamora Fresh Market –4 E. Main Street