PUBLISHED OCT. 13, 2016
Riverview event provides kids with safe,
fun environment for trick or treating
By LOIS KINDLE
Hordes of princesses, fairies, superheroes and zombies will be among the thousands of children attending this year’s Trick or Treat Street Oct. 22.
Presented by the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation and Riverview High School, with generous sponsorship from Suncoast Credit Union and St. Joseph Hospital–South, the 28th annual family event will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. at Riverview High, 11311 Boyette Road. Admission is free, but a $5 donation per carload is requested for parking.
“Participants, sponsors and volunteers are happy and excited to bring Trick or Treat Street together for the community,” said Debbie Kirkland, the chamber’s membership development director. “Seeing the smiles on all their faces and those of the people attending is what makes this event so worthwhile.”
Families will find plenty of activities to keep their youngsters busy. Trick or treating at scores of booths sponsored and decorated by area businesses is undoubtedly tops on their lists. But many will prance across center stage in the Xscape Theatres’ costume contest, which includes four age brackets: Newborn to 3 at 5 p.m.; 4 to 7 at 5:30 p.m.; 8 to 11 at 6:30 p.m. and 12 to 15 at 7 p.m. Registration is $5 at the canopy tent beside the stage.
Kids aren’t the only ones who will vie for prizes.
Veterinarian Kim Tyson’s Four Paws Animal Hospital will host a costume contest for dogs. Entry is $10 for canines of any breed. All proceeds will go to the Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort no-kill animal shelter in Ruskin. Tyson will be the emcee.
“Trick or Treat Street is a great community event and community service,” she said, adding she’s proud to take part in the effort each year. “I also get to raise money for C.A.R.E. and award prizes donated by my hospital and other businesses.
Tyson said she will repeat the contest for the benefit of C.A.R.E. at her monthly Yappy Hour event Oct. 25 at Joia Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar, 10475 Gibsonton Drive, Riverview. Entry is $10. Cat owners are invited to bring a photo of their costumed felines to vie for prizes, as well.
For the first time ever, two pet rest stations sponsored by Species Pet Supply and Boyette Animal Hospital will provide water, sanitary bags, shade and snacks to all the four-legged guests.
This year’s offerings will include numerous food choices: PDQ, Chai Yo Thai, Jet’s Pizza, S & S Tacos, In the Middle Food Truck, Kona Ice, C & J Specialty, and as always, the chamber’s hot dogs and burgers.
The Monster Mash Kids Zone sponsored by The Alley at SouthShore and Partners in Allergy & Asthma will feature inflatables and a dodge-ball arena. For a nominal fee, armbands will be sold for unlimited access. Students representing a number of Riverview High School clubs will sell beverages and host a variety of hands-on activities, as well.
Pirates, wenches and the ship of the Krewe of the South Shore Marauders will take part in the festivities.
“We’re expecting well over 5,000 people,” said Tanya Doran, the chamber’s executive director. “The nice thing about Trick or Treat Street is that people come and enjoy what they want to partake in, and then leave. Families come and go throughout the event.”
For additional information, call 813-234-5944 or visit riverviewchamber.com.