Treats, not tricks, at third annual Track-O-Lantern event

About 800 children in costume trick-or-treated through Fort Erie Race Track on Thanksgiving Monday as live racing continued in one of the community’s final fall events.

The third annual Track-O-Lantern event offered families a rare free outing during the fall racing season, giving vendors one more chance to reach the public before the track closes for winter.

The day featured live horse racing running alongside trick-or-treating stations, food stands and vendor booths. The idea came from the need to fill a seasonal event during the fall schedule.

“We’re always looking for those family friendly events, especially considering that with inflation and everything, budgets are tight,” said James Culic, marketing manager at Fort Erie Race Track, to Fort Erie Radio on Monday afternoon.

This year’s attendance levelled off rather than doubling as it had in previous years. Some vendors suggested that holding the event on Thanksgiving Monday may have reduced the turnout.

Serena Popp of Serena’s Fashion said it was her first year at Track-O-Lantern but she had attended the summer markets at the track. The event helps small businesses like hers gain visibility by bringing families, who might not stop otherwise, to their booths for candy.

“It gets our names out, gets people to recognize us, and for us it’s fun,” she said.

K.C. Benner of Niagara Rocks and Crystals said sales were expectedly light but enjoyed the event regardless.

“It’s a safe environment for the kids to trick-or-treat,” said Benner. “I wasn’t expecting to sell much because it’s all about the kids, right?”

For vendor Jules Nakonecznyj, who recently moved to Fort Erie and spent the season selling at the track’s markets, the Halloween theme made her booth of crystals and candles a natural fit. Nakonecznyj said larger venues like the race track give smaller vendors a chance to meet residents they might not reach on their own.

“The race track is such a big company that pretty much everybody in town goes, so it’s kind of a magnet for all the small businesses,” said Nakonecznyj.

The event will remain the track’s capstone fall gathering before fan appreciation day on October 21 closes the racing season. Details are available on the Fort Erie Race Track website.

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