St. Mary’s Square’s first Free Fall Festival in Lexington Park was a smashing good time. Not even a few sprinkles could deter families and tons of “Trick-or-Treaters” from coming out! This event was about bringing the community together, and not just about handing out candy, even though there was tons of candy!

Organizations were brought in who provided services for those in the community.  A coat drive for United Way of St Mary’s County (http://www.unitedwaysmc.org) was held. The coat drive will continue through the end of November. Coats can be dropped off at “Hair in the Square.”

Maryland Child Identification Program (CHIP) (www.mdchip.org) came out and provided child ID cards to parents for all children in attendance.

The Health Connection provided, lifesaving screenings, and handed out a variety of health related pamphlets, Bay District Fire trucks were on display, and Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee, Inc. (www.smtccac.org) came out to provide information to people who want to become first time home buyers.

Great Mills High School Project Possible (http://schools.smcps.org/gmhs/project-possible) program held a Food drive, collecting items to stock St. Mary’s Counties food pantries.

There was also some real fun that took place. Vendors set up stands, and sold their wares.  Kings Christian Academy handed out free gospel CDs. Three bands and two dance groups:  House of Dance (http://www.thehouseofdance.org) and Southern Maryland boot scooters (www.bootscootersofsomd.com) came out to show the community how to have some fun and get exercise by shaking it up with some hip shaking fun dance moves. Young and old both joined in for the dance lessons. The Soulful Sounds band filled the evening with relaxing tunes that captivated those in attendance.

A costume contest was held and prizes awarded, then kids got down to some serious “Trick or Treating.” Over the past three or four years, St. Mary’s Square merchants mentioned that they have never seen this amount of kids come through. The candy stashes at the stores throughout the shopping center had to be restocked multiple times.

This event represented community, diversity, and good ole fashioned fun. The St. Mary’s Square merchants (sms_merchant_assoc@yahoo.com) plan to host more free events over the coming months.

TBN was there to record all the fun. Included are some photos from around the county of people celebrating Halloween. Take look and see if you were, or know anyone who was, “Caught in the Net!”