OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) -
Thursday, the largest trick or treating event in Owensboro is in full swing downtown.
The Trail of Treats is just part of Ghosts and Goblins in the Park, but there are some big changes this year.
For the first time ever, the event will be held here at the newly renovated Smothers Park, and residents say they think the move is a good one.
Gale Griepenstroh and her grandson Tristan Raven visited smothers as preparations for the Trail of Treats were underway.
She believes it was a good decision to give the event a new home.
"I think it's probably the best move they've had," said Griepenstroh. "Owensboro is really doing good redoing this whole park area here. I think this is the nicest park for kids around that I've seen."
Others, like Beth Destefano, agree.
"I think it's a great thing. We love this park. We drive 20 minutes to this park, and it's beautiful," said Destefano.
With the new location in a busy area, Recreation Supervisor Angel Freels says safety is a top priority.
"We've also sent out stuff to the businesses, all the schools were blanketed with flyers," said Freels. "We bought reflective bags to give out to the kids as they cross Second Street, so that they can be seen that way as well."
For parents and grandparents, those small things make a big difference.
"It's a necessary thing, and I'm glad they're doing it, and it makes me feel safer as a parent," said Beth Destefano.
Gale "I think it's a really good idea what they're doing, because you never know when these small children are gonna try to pull away from you and run off on you," said Gale Griepenstroh.
Griepenstroh says Tristan has plans to show off his cowboy costume.
"I think it's gonna be a really fun time for all the children," she said.
The event wraps up Saturday with Halloween Fun Day.
If you are driving in Downtown Owensboro Thursday night, be sure to watch out for parents and kids crossing the street.
There will also be extra police and signs reminding drivers about the event in the area.
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