Halloween Safe Kids Night returns to Manatee County Fairgrounds

MANATEE COUNTY — After a one-year hiatus, due to the 2024 Hurricane Season, Crime Stoppers of Manatee County is pleased to announce the return of its annual Halloween event at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto. This year marks the 22nd Annual Halloween Safe Kids Night, an event the entire family can enjoy.

This year, the event will be held on Friday, October 31, from 6 PM to 9 PM in the Mosaic Arena at the Manatee Fairgrounds, located at 1402 14th Avenue West in Palmetto. Visitors may enter via Gate #9 on 14th Ave West, across from Bayside Community Church, and park in the midway area on the south end of the fairgrounds, OR they may park along 17th Street West and enter the event through Gate #1 across from Palmetto High School.

The event is FREE for the public to attend, and as always, there will be plenty of fun and candy for the whole family. Event partners hosting booths and distributing candy will include Law Enforcement & Public Safety Agencies, Civic & Non-Profit Organizations, and Churches & Ministries. All Candy will be individually wrapped & sealed to ensure safety. There will also be fun and games, as well as public safety equipment & first responder vehicles on display.

This well-established event consistently attracts over 3500 children & families each year. Since this year’s event will be on a Friday evening, we anticipate another record crowd. “We are excited to be back at the fairgrounds after the hurricanes forced us to cancel in 2024. We are grateful for the support of our sponsors and many community partners for joining us this year,“ said Frank Brunner, Executive Director of Manatee Crime Stoppers. “Many non-profit & government agencies will be participating by hosting Trick or Treat booths in the Mosaic Arena.”

The event not only provides children and families with a safe alternative to “Trick or Treating,” but also provides parents with information about community organizations and agencies that serve Manatee County families. Rather than going door to door in unsafe neighborhoods that lack sidewalks and streetlights, families can visit the Manatee Fairgrounds and enjoy an enhanced Halloween experience.

Crime Stoppers is providing a venue with ample security, supervision, games, activities, and candy while also promoting public safety & community services available to families. Be sure to have the little ones (11 and under) dress up and participate in the Best Costume Contest.