Q:

When the Boozaar first started, it was promoted as a “safe alternative for trick or treating” for kids. Now it seems it is set for the Saturday closest to Halloween for convenience sake. Why was it changed?

A:

The courthouse is a busy place, and trying to set up on the square on a weeknight means that vendors and game booths would not be able to begin getting ready for Boozaar until at least 5:30 p.m., after business at the courthouse has concluded for the day and the traffic has gone. This delays the start by at least two hours minimum that it takes to set up. That makes a very late night for kids on a school night. Setup can begin early in the afternoon on Saturday, since most of the businesses on the square are closed. Also, it has proven that more businesses and organizations participate on a weekend than on a workday. Having it on Saturday still allows everyone to trick or treat safely, then if some choose to go out again on Halloween night, that time can be devoted to going to homes of family and friends.