Mall not only serves kids, but everyone

Mall not only serves kids, but everyone

To the editor:
    I would like to respond to the Oct. 20, 2010, Letter to the Editor regarding “Where did Halloween go?” Sorry that you were not informed about the Halloween changes at the Mall this year, as I firmly believe that we are able to “treat” more folks than in the past and add a complete Mall experience. 

    Unfortunately, what was missed is that the Mall is giving FREE Train Rides with goodies (while supplies last) Monday through Friday, after school from 4-6 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday, from noon-4 p.m. So what that means is that you and your family can ride the Train for free – every day – and hopefully this will free families up for their traditional neighborhood trick or treat on Halloween eve itself. Many families have expressed this opportunity to start a new or renew an old Halloween tradition, and yet still enjoy what the Mall has to offer … enjoying the best of all the fun things out there and on their family’s timeframe.
    Also, I noticed that many church, school and civic groups are hosting many great area events that will be family friendly also, too many to mention in this rebuttal. We will also be hosting Senior Bingo with tricks and treats and “Scar-eo-ky” on Sunday at 1 p.m. with a special surprise for everyone.
    And by spreading it out over the week before, and giving FREE train rides and treats amounting to over 18 hours in total, we’re hoping to benefit so many more kids and families than just the two hours of Mall trick or treating. As the mall manager, my job is to spice things up a bit and occasionally do things a little different and ultimately generate sales and opportunity for my retailers, and preserve the 600 plus year-round jobs that the Mall provides.
    Over the past 17 years, the Mall has done many different Halloween and holiday events for our customers and communities who – like every family – has many different needs and is a task we take very seriously, and made even more challenging in this difficult economy. Not only do we serve our kids, but everyone. Everybody likes to enjoy a little something extra during the holidays and the Mall takes that role seriously and will continue to do so.