ABOVE: Sara Cyphers of D & S Trophies is one of many downtown and other businesses that will be participating in Prowl the Plaza on Oct. 31.

FAIRMONT — Halloween is nearly here and residents and businesses alike are gearing up for the night of frights.

Many will participate in the second annual Prowl the Plaza, put on by the Greater Plaza Area Council, in which families may ‘prowl’ the area and trick or treat from participating downtown businesses and engage in other Halloween activities.

In addition to established downtown businesses, 30 non-downtown businesses will set up for trunk or treat distribution from Blue Earth Avenue to 5th Street, with youth organization Empower hosting a costume contest at Citizens’ Park.

Bringing a safe and fun Halloween to citizens is the ultimate goal of GPAC, according to D&S Trophies Owner and Member Sara Cyphers.

“The main takeaway is closing the roads and inviting in the other businesses and groups to join us,” explained Cyphers. “People can roam and have a fun and safe Halloween with their families. It’s a fun place. There’s so much for them to do in the radius we have set up, and it’s worth their time.”

Halloween doesn’t end at Downtown trick-or-treating. Imagine Martin in Fairmont will partner with nine businesses and organizations to enhance Halloween opportunities in theDowntown Plaza area with the first-annual Cobweb Manor from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Blazer in Fairmont.

“We love what’s being held in the Downtown Plaza. We all wanted to offer something more before the people go elsewhere,” Imagine Martin Chair Jeff Rouse said.

Activities include Guess What’s in the Box by Girl Scouts, tote bag screenprinting and crafts by 4-H, spooky stories by Martin and Faribault County Health and Human Services, photo booth by Prolific Memories, music by Lee Kanten, games, prizes and more.

“We are thrilled to be working with the local businesses for this opportunity. This partnership makes this event possible,” Rouse commented. “We really wanted to expand things for the kids, while they already enjoy Halloween.”

In addition to activities and candy collecting, many will look forward to the Woodland Witches parade and dance, featuring nine community members and the Fairmont High School dance team. The parade, which invites all individuals dressed as witches, will be from 5 to 5:30 p.m., starting on Woodland Avenue in Fairmont. The two dances will be at 5:30 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. Diane Luedtke has danced as a Woodland Witch ever since the tradition was founded eight years ago. She explained that this year or next year may be her final year in her role, as she has ‘passed the broom’ to Courtney Schoellerman.

Luedtke said, on behalf of the group, they’re very excited for Halloween festivities, recognizing the Woodland Witches as new and well-received tradition.

“It feels very fun, and we’re always acknowledged kindly. The kids gather around us, and those who get a little scared of witches don’t. I feel like a celebrity for about three hours. Yeah. It’s to have the crowds standing in a big circle around us, and applauding us when we’re done. It’s very heartwarming,” Luedtke said.

The Woodland Witches also value both the entertainment and safety of people.

“We just want to show the kids a fun and safe night. That’s our plan,” Luedtke said.

While there are many events that the community will take part in, one Fairmont girl wants to spread a reminder that treating each other with respect and kindness is always something to be celebrated.

Natalie Flaherty, for the third year, will dress up as Anne Frank and sell bracelets, pins and stickers (which will benefit the Fairmont Opera House’s $4 million capital campaign) on Woodland Avenue outside the mansion. She encourages everyone to be mindful of their behavior and choose kindness, whether they partake in trick-or-treating or area activities.

“I think that people should still be kind. Be inclusive and open-minded to other people’s ideas. You can make more than one friend. It’s the little things that add up,” Flaherty said.

She explained that supporters can advocate for her mission by finding avenues to be kind in various situations and support the campaign by donating and purchasing items for sale on Halloween.

Staying safe on Halloween night is important for many people. Drivers are strongly encouraged to operate motor vehicles slowly (especially in residential areas) and pay close attention to the roads for pedestrians and trick-or-treaters. Woodland Avenue will be blocked from traffic by local law enforcement in the evening. Households passing out candy can turn on their front porch lights and decorations to beckon trick or treaters.

Other local Halloween activities on Oct. 31 include:

— Martin County Library activities from 3 to 5 p.m. in Fairmont.

— Witches’ Parade at 5 p.m. at Woodland Avenue in Fairmont.

— Witches’ Dance at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. at Woodland Avenue in Fairmont.

— Trick-or-Treating at Ingleside Assisted Living, Lakeview Methodist Health Care and Vista Prairie at Goldfinch Estates from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Fairmont.

— Prowl the Plaza from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Downtown Plaza in Fairmont

— Costume Contest from 4 to 5 p.m. in Citizens’ Park in Downtown Plaza in Fairmont.

— Halloween celebration from 4 to 6 p.m. at Bowlmor Lanes in Fairmont.

— Cobweb Manor from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Downtown Plaza in Fairmont.

— Halloween Rock on Ice from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Martin County Arena at the Martin County Fairgrounds in Fairmont.

— Halloween Karaoke Party at Bowlmor Lanes from 8 p.m. to midnight at Bowlmor Lanes in Fairmont.

— Halloween Party at 9 p.m. at Silo’67 bar and grill in Fairmont.