Zombie Walk, dancing to 'Thriller' highlight city's Halloween happenings

ROCHESTER - The city's Trick-or-Treating will take place on Oct. 30 from 4-7pm.

City officials are encouraging families to follow CDC guidelines, practice social distancing, stay in their own neighborhoods, and wear gloves while distributing candy.

In addition to the citywide event, Rochester Main Street will be hosting a Downtown Trick-or-Treat on Oct. 29 from 4-6 p.m. with participating downtown businesses that are flying Pumpkin Flags handing out candy. Volunteers will provide free treat bags in the Union Street Municipal Parking Lot while supplies last. Maps will be available to help families locate the participating businesses.

Following the Downtown Trick-or-Treat, Mandy Barstow and Studio 109 will start the popular Zombie Walk around 7 p.m. Multiple local dance troupes will be in costume and dancing down North Main Street to the tune of Michael Jackson's Thriller.

Jeff Bisson, a Rochester Main Street board member, describes the Main Street Trick-or-Treat and Zombie walk as an opportunity to invite the community downtown and show what the businesses have to offer.

"Trick-or-Treat and the Zombie Walk are two of the best events of the year," said Bisson. "We all look forward to it and it gets better and better every year. We have incredible businesses that are looking forward to welcoming the community to the downtown area."

Following the Zombie Walk, the Rochester Police Department, Recreation Department, and Guyer International Travel have partnered to show a movie at the Rochester Common, starting at approximately 7:45 p.m. According to organizers, there will be hot cocoa, cider, firepits, and goodies for families to enjoy.

Visit www.RochesterMainStreet.org to learn more about the Main Street Trick-or-Treat and Zombie Walk. Visit www.CDC.gov to see the latest COVID-19 safety guidelines and how to keep kids safe during the holiday season.