Polish Village Treat 'n' Greet

The Northeast Ohio Ghostbusters have enjoyed participating in the Treat 'n' Greet event since 2012. Pictured here (left to right) are: Al Martin, Ethan Rivera, Martin Schutte, Bobby O'Connor, and Anthony Gonzalez. (Photo © 2012-2014 Stefan P. Stefaniuk.)

Mark your calendars now! The much anticipated annual Treat 'n' Greet event, sponsored by the Polish Village/Old World Parma community development organization, has been scheduled for Saturday, October 25th, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.   

This is the fourth year for Treat 'n' Greet and it seems to be growing by leaps and bounds. The purpose behind it is to familiarize residents with the local businesses along Ridge Road. Often in our mobile society you drive past the shops without stopping to see what is really inside them. Polish Village supports the shop local cause, by offering a unique and fun way for people to see just what the area has to offer. In past years approximately 30 to 35 businesses have participated annually.  

As a parent and grandparent I appreciate the fact that this event is held during the daytime hours, that children must be accompanied by an adult, and safety is a prime consideration. I also believe everyone enjoys seeing the children all dressed up in costumes, big smiles on their faces, with eyes sparkling, as they march from business to business eager to fill up on treats.  

Each year a different location along Ridge Rd is chosen to be the Headquarters. This year the Headquarters will be at 5789 Ridge Rd, just north of Snow Rd. Families come to the headquarters to receive their passports. One passport per family is the rule. The passports list the various businesses that are participating. Children accompanied by adults walk the Ridge Rd business district, collecting not only their treats, but a stamp at each location on their passports. Businesses are also encouraged to handout coupons for another visit, or to supplement the candy, each in their own unique way. In past years some businesses have had hot coffee and soft drinks, popcorn, coupons for discounts on hair cuts, or food items, face painting and various other fun things. When the adults are exhausted, and the children have had their fill, they return to the headquarters to complete the passports with their names and phone numbers. The completed passports are also used as entries for drawings of various gift baskets and gift certificates.   

In 2013, families turned in 145 passports, with a total of 3,926 stamps, or visits, on the passports to local businesses. As an advocate of the shop local movement I am happy that our local businesses are getting the attention they deserve. When you purchase locally more money is kept in the community. Did you know that for every dollar spent at a local business, 45 cents is reinvested locally? Local businesses also donate more to local charities than non-local owners. The unique character of the community is defined in a large part by the businesses that reside there, which plays a huge role in the overall satisfaction with where you live and the value of your home and property. Local businesses also hire local people, and boost the local economy. And it has been said that a marketplace of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. Shopping locally is not only good for business, it is good for Parma and good for you too.  

So, on Saturday, October 25th, look for the return of the ever popular “Ghostbusters” as well as other costumed individuals walking up and down Ridge Road. There will be prizes and surprises, and lots of laughter and family fun. I'll be there, maybe in costume, definitely enjoying the day. Bring your kids and grand-kids and join in on the fun. Treat 'n' Greet is another reason I love living in Parma, and specifically Polish Village.  

For more information on Treat 'n' Greet, or Polish Village, visit www.polishvillageparma.com, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.