The Downtown Sheridan Association (DSA) is gearing up for its annual Monster Mash, a Halloween celebration designed to give Sheridan’s children a safe, supervised environment for trick‑or‑treating. Executive Director Zoila Perry told Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse that the DSA plans to close a portion of Main Street on October 31, turning the downtown corridor into a pedestrian‑only zone where families can wander from house to house without traffic worries.
Why the event matters to families
For many parents in Sheridan, the Monster Mash provides peace of mind. Rather than sending kids out onto busy streets, the DSA’s street‑closure creates a controlled space where volunteers hand out treats, monitor crowds and keep the atmosphere festive. Perry emphasized that the event is meant to be inclusive, welcoming “every little monster, princess and hero” who wants to join in the fun.
Call for candy donations
To make sure the night is truly abundant, the DSA is asking local residents and businesses to donate unopened candy bags. “We normally run out of candy,” Perry explained, noting that past years have shown a shortfall when the number of participants exceeds expectations. The association is accepting both purchased candy and unopened packages that donors are willing to give away.
Donations can be dropped off at the DSA office on Main Street between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, or delivered directly to volunteers stationed at the event’s registration table on the day of the celebration. All contributions will be sorted and distributed by DSA volunteers to ensure each child receives a treat.
How the community can help
Beyond candy, the DSA welcomes any assistance that helps the event run smoothly. Volunteers are needed to staff candy stations, direct foot traffic, and assist with clean‑up after the festivities. Residents interested in volunteering can sign up through the DSA’s website or by calling the office during business hours.
Local businesses are also encouraged to sponsor the event. Sponsorship packages include recognition on event signage, mentions in social‑media posts, and the opportunity to place promotional materials at the candy distribution points. Perry noted that community partnership not only bolsters the event’s budget but also reinforces the shared commitment to a safe, family‑centered holiday.
Looking ahead
The Monster Mash has become a staple of Sheridan’s Halloween calendar, drawing families from surrounding neighborhoods and reinforcing the downtown area’s role as a community hub. By closing Main Street, the DSA hopes to showcase the town’s dedication to protecting children while fostering a sense of together‑ness among residents.
“When we see families gathering, kids laughing, and neighbors chatting on a closed‑off Main Street, we know we’re doing something right,” Perry said. She added that the success of the event depends on the generosity of Sheridan’s citizens, urging anyone who can spare a bag of candy or a few hours of time to step forward.
Contact information
For candy donations, volunteer sign‑ups, or sponsorship inquiries, please contact the Downtown Sheridan Association at (903) 555‑0123 or visit sheridanmedia.com/dsa. The Monster Mash will take place on October 31, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with the Main Street closure beginning at 4 p.m. to allow for set‑up.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
