No tricks, just treats
Grandpa Joe’s donates $10,000 worth of candy for Canonsburg trick-or-treat
There will be plenty of goodies to go around for children in Canonsburg this evening as they hit the streets for trick-or-treating.
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop on West Pike Street donated more than $10,000 worth of candy to the Canonsburg Volunteer Fire Department and Canonsburg Police Department to distribute throughout the borough.
“They drive their trucks around on trick-or-treat night throughout the community and pass out candy to the kids, and Grandpa Joe’s is proud to give them that candy to hand out,” said Christopher Beers, owner and founder of Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop.
Trick-or-treat in the borough is scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Halloween night.
Mayor Dave Rhome, who also is a member of the fire department, said five of the department’s fire trucks and at least four police cars will patrol the streets.
“We will work to make things as safe as we can,” Rhome said. “The fire department and the police department will be out with all of their vehicles, patrolling all of the streets in the community. Most times, the vehicles will stop in an area where they see a lot of kids and pass out the goodies. No child should go through Halloween without receiving candy.”
Beers was quick to show his appreciation for the fire and police departments and for their presence on Halloween night.
“I know my kids look forward to the flashing lights in the middle of the night,” Beers said. “They know they’re going to get candy from the firemen. It’s a cool way for the community kids to connect with those important people that are helping our community.”
Beers said this has become an annual endeavor for the candy store and some pretty significant treats will be distributed.
“We have a reputation ourselves to uphold,” Beers said. “This is our season. Trick-or-treat night is all about the fun candy. I think the kids are going to be surprised about the fun stuff they’re going to receive this year.
“Canonsburg is my home, so we treat the Canonsburg community a little bit differently than we do some of our other communities. It’s really important for me to be involved and do my part as a business owner in the community to do my part for the kids.”
Rhome praised Beers’ generosity and the candy that will be part of this year’s Halloween festivities.
“He lives in our community, and his generosity is overwhelming,” Rhome said. “There’s just an overwhelming amount of product that he has given to the police and fire (departments).
“Wouldn’t it be nice if everybody would show just a little generosity? Let’s get back to caring about each other.”