CARLILSE - PA (October 18, 2012) - Many families have difficulty finding a safe place with lots of participation for their kids to trick-or-treat, especially families with younger children. Many shopping malls offer an alternative to traditional trick-or-treating, but something seems to be missing if leaves aren't crunching under your feet and your nose isn't a little cold while you go door to door for treats. With this in mind, Stephanie Patterson Gilbert, owner of Georgie Lou's Retro Candy & Gifts in downtown Carlisle, created "Spooky Saturday" three years ago. Spooky Saturday, which will be held this year on October 27th from 12-3, is an afternoon of traditional trick-or-treating around downtown Carlisle with over 20 businesses participating so far with more sure to confirm in the next few days.

When asked what first inspired the event, Patterson Gilbert responds, "I've heard so many stories of what downtown Carlisle used to be-the center of our community, and I wanted to try to recapture some of that with a fun, family-friendly event. " She went on to add, "We're working hard here in Carlisle to bring back a lively, vibrant downtown, but families have become so used to going to strip malls and box stores that they may not know what we have to offer. If we can just draw Carlisle families back to their downtown, they can rediscover that shopping and eating at local small businesses can offer them so much more in terms of service and variety than national chains. Because we share the same community as our customers, we are invested in getting to know them, becoming part of their everyday lives, and helping build community, and Spooky Saturday offers a win-win opportunity for both families and local businesses."

On the day of the event, children aged 12 and under in costume start their spooktacular journey around downtown by stopping at Georgie Lou's at 22 N. Pitt Street to collect their first treat and pick up a treat map, which will guide them around downtown on a ghoulish adventure to find candy, crafts, games, and special surprises. Before setting out, kids can visit with Posie the Fairy, one of South Central Pennsylvania's premiere children's entertainers, at Georgie Lou's and have their faces painted to complete their costumes. Participating retailers and restaurants have been encouraged to cater the event to best fit their businesses, and CALC and Nancy Stamm's Galleria are doing just that again this year by offering craft projects at their locations, and Mrs. Stamm's Deli will be hosting a coloring contest to win gift certificates. "Families are encouraged to walk the treat route and get to know their downtown, while local merchants have the opportunity to give back to their community on Spooky Saturday," Patterson Gilbert states. It promises to be a fang-tastic day full of Halloween fun for families and businesses.

Georgie Lou's Retro Candy & Gifts is a family-owned candy store that opened in 2009 in historic downtown Carlisle. Located at 22 N. Pitt Street, it specializes in nostalgic candy and vintage-inspired gifts and toys. They also offer a unique selection of gourmet candy and truffles and modern favorites of kids today. Georgie Lou's offers gift baskets with local delivery, catered candy buffets, and custom party favors. They are open Tuesday through Thursday from 12-6 and Friday and Saturday from 12-7. Georgie Lou's is active on facebook (facebook.com/georgielous), twitter (@GeorgieLous), and can be found on the web at GeorgieLous.com.