Historic Downtown McKinney hosts costumed families and raises food for charity                            

McKINNEY, Texas  — Historic Downtown McKinney is once again closing off the streets, and shops are opening their doors for trick-or-treaters at the annual Scare on the Square event, Oct. 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. The evening of fun and fright is presented by McKinney Main Street, Pat Lobb Toyota, North Texas History Center and more than 100 shops in Historic Downtown.  

Costumed kids can pick up goodies from shop owners during the safe and fun trick-or-treating event. Other activities offered are hay rides, a costume contest and entertainment.  

The free event is set in the backdrop of a newly renovated downtown. Wider sidewalks, new landscaping and more parking mean the square can accommodate even more people. 

“Scare on the Square is such a wonderful event for the entire family to enjoy a safe and secure environment while showing off their costumes. This year, we get to show off our brand-new downtown, and we hope people enjoy the conveniences it brings,” said Ty Lake, Program Director of McKinney Main Street. “This event grows every year, and we anticipate on seeing in excess of 3,500 attendees.”  

This year’s event is also about giving back. 3e McKinney presents the Scare Away Hunger food drive. Event attendees can bring canned food donations that will benefit the Community Food Pantry for Collin County.  

“Times are hard, and philanthropic organizations need our assistance so they can in turn help the neediest in our community. We’re proud to incorporate a food drive and offer people the opportunity to give back,” said Lake.  

Admission is free and parking can be found throughout the historic downtown area. Visit www.downtownmckinney.com for more information or contact McKinney Main Street at 972.547.2660.                                                  

About Downtown

McKinney enjoys one the oldest authentic and thriving historic downtowns in Texas. What was once the center of all commercial and social activity for Collin County, our 159-year-old city continues to serve as a viable retail, dining, entertainment and business center.   Downtown offers more than 100 unique shops and more than a dozen unique restaurants, including upscale restaurants featuring award-winning chefs, sandwich shops, outdoor patio dining and neighborhood pubs.  Downtown McKinney also offers an assortment of specialty shops, art galleries featuring the works of local artists, furniture stores, exquisite antique collections, gift shops and apparel boutiques. For more information visit www.downtownmckinney.com. 

About McKinney

McKinney, Texas, is unique by nature. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., McKinney has a current population of 124,000. Incorporated in 1848, McKinney celebrates its 160^th birthday this year. It is located 30 miles north of Dallas and is the county seat of Collin County. McKinney offers rolling hills, lush trees, a historic downtown square and unique neighborhoods and developments. Visit the city’s Web site at www.mckinneytexas.org.