NEWBURYPORT — The Halloween event, Witches Night Out, will return to downtown this year, bigger and better than before.
Witches Night Out began two years ago at Flukes and Finds on State Street. Owner Gail Gandolfi organized the Halloween festivities for her customers. Everyone enjoyed it so much last year, she said, that she approached the Chamber of Commerce with a plan to expand it to the whole downtown.
More than 50 shops and restaurants downtown and at the Tannery are participating in the event for adults Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Merchants and restaurant owners will decorate their shops for Halloween or offer customers a special discount or refreshments.
"I think more people know about it," Gandolfi said. "There's a lot of things this year that they didn't do last year. I just think it's going to be a bigger and better event."
As in previous years, the shops will be hosting a "Reverse Trick or Treat" and collecting donations for the local charity 2 Cents 4 Change: Pennies for Poverty and canned goods for local food pantries. Food collection boxes will be set up at Flukes and Finds on State Street, Partridge in a Bear Tree in Market Square and Jabberwocky Book Shop at The Tannery.
Participants are encouraged to come dressed in costume, and it need not be a witch or warlock outfit, said Partridge in a Bear Tree owner Kevin Riley.
At 8 p.m., there will be a costume contest at The Black Dog. Winners in two categories — Best Witch/Warlock costume and Best "Other" costume — will receive a $50 Newburyport gift certificate.
Each of the shops will offer customers something different, Gandolfi said, such as candy and refreshments or a special discount or merchandise.
At Partridge in a Bear Tree, Riley will have haunted games and Tarot card readings. Valentine's on State Street will also have Tarot card readings, while at Yankee Runner on Pleasant Street, customers will receive 10 percent off anything black. The Green Bean Deli will give a 10 percent discount to any customer dressed in costume.
The Thirsty Whale will be serving their speciality drink, "The Great Pumpkin Punch," and Partridge in a Bear Tree will serve their homemade "Zombie Juice," while Port Tavern is offering Pumpkin Ale.
Riley said the event is another opportunity for customers to use their Halloween costume or just to get into the holiday spirit.
"We had a really, really good night last year," he said.
"Eventually, I think it will be an alternative place to go besides Salem," Gandolfi said.
For a complete listing of the Witches Night Out festivities, visit. www.witchesnightout.net.
IF YOU GO
What: Witches Night Out
When: Friday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Shops and restaurants downtown and at The Tanner
Why: The event will collect donations for the charity Pennies for Poverty and canned goods for local food pantries.
Pantries need cereals, juice boxes, school snacks, condiments, hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap), peanut butter and jelly, pasta and pasta sauces, beans, canned meats and fruits, soups, powdered milk, macaroni and cheese, dried fruit.
Pennies for Poverty raises awareness of poverty in Newburyport and raises funds for the 2 Cent grant fund.
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