SALISBURY, Md. — The Eastern Shore Reading Council (ESRC) continues to impact local communities during the annual Halloween celebration in Downtown Salisbury. The 10th annual “Treat Street” hosted by the Salisbury Jaycees will have book giveaway component as well as other fun events taking place.

As reported in the Salisbury Independent newspaper this week,

Children must register that evening to participate. Registration is open for children through age 11. All children must wear costumes and be accompanied by an adult. Adults may dress up, but are encouraged to make their costumes non-scary and appropriate for young children.

Candy bags for children who do not bring their own will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 500 registrants receive coloring books courtesy of Nock Insurance.

The Jaycees also participate in Food Allergy Research and Education’s Teal Pumpkin Project, offering non-candy treats for children with food allergies. Parents of children wishing to receive non-candy treats for this purpose should request a special badge upon registering that evening.

Treat Street was founded in 2008 in response to local media reports that fewer local parents were allowing their children to trick-or-treat due to increasing crime, including child predators. It has since grown into the city’s largest annual child-friendly Halloween block party. The U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce has named it the nation’s No. 1 community event.

ESRC Vice-President Shannon Vaughn is leading Council volulnteersfor the event and encourages other members to who are willing to volunteer. Volunteers interested in participating need to be at the Downtown Salisbury Plaza by 5:30. The event is from 6pm-9pm.