By MATT LINDSEY

POTSDAM -- The Potsdam Chamber of Commerce will host 'Fright Night' on Thursday Oct. 22 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. a family costume contest, “Creepy Spiderama Walk-Through," a pumpkin trail and treats and activities for kids.

The Potsdam Chamber of Commerce will host the Halloween-themed celebration from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the section of Market Street between Main Street and Elm Street which will be blocked off to vehicle traffic in order to provide space for businesses to set up activities, for performances, and for safety.

“Many businesses will be participating…handing out treats and hosting activities,” Potsdam Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marylee Ballou said.

The family-friendly “Creepy Spiderama Walk-Through” and family costume contest will be held at Great Northern Printing, 6 Main St. Valeria Visser Photography will have a spooky backdrop for families to have their picture taken in front of.

Contest entrants must include at least one parent dressed in a costume. Donations will be collected to benefit Renewal House in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The winning family will receive over $800 in prizes from local businesses. For a prize list visit hwww.valerievisserphotography.com/Fright-Night-Contest-for-Renew. One family will be chosen as the winner.

Two dance studios, Tap to Toe Studio of Dance and Step it Out Dance Studio, will offer performances in the blocked street at 6:30 and 7 p.m.

“It has become a highlight of our students year to perform at Fright Night,” stated Matt Warner-Duprey, creative director of Step it Out Dance Studio.

Current list of participating businesses include: 3 Bears Gluten Free Bakery & Café, Adirondack Federal Credit Union, Arby’s, Argent’s, Between the Buns, Brick & Mortar Music, Chilly Delight, Collegiate Village of Potsdam, Evans & White ACE Hardware, Fidelis Care of NNY, First Crush, First Niagara Bank, Great Northern Printing, Hot Tamale, Isle of You, Jazzercise, Jernabi Coffeehouse, Little Italy, Maple Run Emporium, Market Lanes, Misty Hollow, Northern Ice & Dance, Pinto, Mucenski Hopper VanHouse, Potsdam Food Co-op, Potsdam IGA, Potsdam Library, Potsdam Museum, Reality Check, Rick’s Hot Dogs, Seacomm, Today’s Hair & Day Spa, The Hair Studio Day Spa, Total Image, Trillium Yoga Center, United Healthcare, University Bookstore, Valerie Vessier Photography, Walgreens, and Walmart.

Horsefeathers Haunts will also return to the event again this year. Between the Buns, 6 Elm St., will host pumpkin bocce on their front lawn.

The “Pumpkin Trail” will be set up in Ives Park.

“Some of the pumpkins will be carved while others painted and will be placed along a section of the walkway in Ives Park.

There will be some treats given out as well as some books donated by the Potsdam Rotary while supplies last.

“The Pumpkin Trail is a chamber invention, but we wish to thank Canton-Potsdam Hospital for supporting it with a donation,” Ballou said.

The chamber will host a pumpkin carving/decorating party on Wed. October 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the chamber office, 24 Market Street.

“We have limited spots for those 16 years and older to participate,” Ballou said.

Contact the chamber at 274-9000 if you wish to help with creating pumpkins for the Fright Night Pumpkin Trail.

The chamber will have supplies for use and has secured twenty pumpkins.

In addition, completed pumpkins will be accepted on Fright Night to add to the display if community members wish to contribute.

For updated information about Fright Night check out the Potsdam Fright Night Facebook page or contact the chamber office.