Cold Weather on Halloween Delivers More Tricks, Less Treats for Dexter Youths

Not even the ghosts and goblins were safe from Mother Nature on Wednesday, as cold temperatures and blustering winds put a damper on the annual downtown trick-or-treat festivities in Dexter.

While area children typically flock to businesses every Oct. 31, this year's numbers barely peaked over 100 during the two-hour event.

"The numbers are definitely down from last year," DeeDee Willis, owner of Hearts & Flowers said.

Willis said she was sure to stock up on plenty of candy in anticipation of the big crowds.

"Last year I ran out of candy, and this year I have too much," she said. "I've been giving out two or three pieces per child because the numbers are a lot smaller."

Red Brick Kitchen owner Peter Landrum blames the cold weather, with temperatures peaking at 40 degrees Wednesday morning.

"Unforunately the weather is not helping with turnout," he said. "It's going to be a cold one, that's for sure."

Peter Theocharakis, owner of Dexter's Pub, passed out candy to children as moms and dads enjoyed a brief reprieve from the cold during lunch hour.

"It's been a little quiet this year, but not too bad," he said. "We have plenty of candy to give away."

The annual downtown trick-or-treat event is sponsored by the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce. Temperatures are expected to remain in the high 20s during village trick-or-treat hours from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night.