Pope said Thursday’s gray and rainy weather did not deter trick-or-treaters.

“People come out regardless of weather,” she said. “It’s very popular.”

Although it’s good for businesses in the area, the children are more important, said Jennifer Bell, co-owner of The Peanut Barrel, 521 E. Grand River Ave. Bell said the restaurant has participated for as long as the event has been held.

“It’s good (public relations, but) hopefully it’s better for the families than for the businesses,” she said.
The event is an opportunity for a safer trick-or-treating experience, Bell said.

“It’s light out, it’s safe and it’s usually better weather,” she said.

Each year brings about 1,000 people to downtown East Lansing, Pope said. Many families make it a tradition.

Trick-or-treating through the city with everyone in the family is fun for all, said Vertis Louden, an East Lansing resident, who brought his two children.

“It’s safe, and we know that the candy’s safe,” he said.

Parents enjoy seeing the children in their costumes, which is always entertaining, said Ken Marable, an Okemos resident who brought his three children. His 10-year-old daughter, Samantha, dressed up as a pirate for the event.

“It’s the only holiday where you get to dress up weird in public, on purpose and get candy for it,” she said.

Putting the younger children in the community in the spotlight gives a more family-oriented feel to East Lansing, said Ray Reynolds, the general manager of National Coney Island, 565 E. Grand River Ave. The community is more than MSU students, he said.

“It’s good for us to get out and show support for the little children, because with all the older kids around I think the little kids take a back seat sometimes,” Reynolds said. “It’s good for them to come out and have a good day, too.”