MONTE VISTA – On Thursday, Oct. 31, the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with local businesses and residents hosted a Moonlight Madness event that brought people downtown and throughout the business district.

Little witches, tiny ghosts and goblins, many marvel superhero’s and even the Super Mario Brothers were seen roaming the streets in search of candy and smiling and skipping from business to business and house to house, as the traditional Moonlight Madness was brought back to life for Halloween.

Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce Manager Heather Hillin spoke about the event.

“We went back to old school. A trunk or treat down Adams Street, and businesses throughout town participated and gave out candy. We had an online map to direct everything too,” she said.

The Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce created an online map with local businesses and residents to show trick or treaters where to go to get candy. Many businesses participated in the event including The Legacy, The Colorado Workforce Center, The Rock Creek Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Monte Vista Coop, Farm Bureau Insurance, Muddy Paws Doggy Wash, and many more.

For the past couple of years some wrinkles were added to Moonlight Madness such as a harvest festival. This year there had been many requests for a traditional Moonlight Madness.

Resident Mary Samora took her grandchildren trick or treating up and down Adams Street for the event and was excited about the Monte Vista Chamber bringing back Moonlight Madness.

“When my kids were small, I remember bringing them downtown to Moonlight Madness. I remember Dairy Queen handing out coupons for free Dilly Bars for Halloween, and my kids were so excited. There were people on Adams Street who gave kids pop for Halloween too, those were the good old days. I think we all loved Moonlight Madness, those of us who remember it anyway. I am glad that this is being brought back to town. Trick or treating should be everywhere one night, not several nights, it just takes away from Halloween. My grandkids are having fun and it’s cool the businesses are giving out candy. I hope this is what they do next year too. Monte Vista needs to permanently bring back this longtime tradition,” she said.

Little Haley Salazar, 5, who was trick or treating and according to her, she was dressed like a Magic Fairy Witch, stated she was enjoying herself and eating candy while trick or treating.

“I trick or treat, and I eat my candy. This is fun fun fun,” she said.