Local families turned out in droves on Thursday, Oct. 22, as downtown Waseca transformed into a bustling hub of costumes, candy, and community spirit for the sixth annual “Sweet Treats in the Waseca Streets.”
Although a relatively new community tradition, the event drew hundreds of trick-or-treaters and their families to kick off the spooky season. The main square near the Waseca County Courthouse served as the epicenter of the evening’s festivities, with activities stretching down State Street all the way to the Waseca Public Safety Center.
Local businesses and organizations lined the route to greet residents and hand out candy, hot cocoa mix, and other seasonal giveaways. Participating merchants included Ma and Paws Pet Wash, Thrifty White Pharmacy, Huebl Insurance Agency, El Molino, The Speckled Hen, ICAN, and 4 Seasons Athletics—whose storefront featured a group of teenaged employees dressed as sparkly unicorns.
Community organizations and local government groups were also well-represented. Representatives from the Waseca Intermediate School and members of the Waseca City Office distributed treats to passing children, while the Waseca County Sheriff’s Office joined the event alongside members of its mounted posse. Adding a touch of festive humor, one of the posse’s horses was decorated in yellow crime scene tape.
Costumes throughout the evening spanned a wide array of classic and creative themes. Children sported outfits ranging from traditional superheroes like Spider-Man and country icons like Dolly Parton to inflatable baby dinosaurs. Adults actively joined in the festivities as well, including a group ensemble featuring characters from SpongeBob SquarePants, complete with a canine companion dressed as Gary the Snail.
Other notable costumes spotted along the strip included Ghostface, dragons, bananas, axolotls, cows, a T-Rex, and an enormous orange gerbil, alongside traditional Halloween favorites such as witches, cowboys, princesses, angels, demons, police officers, and firefighters.
With strong attendance and widespread participation from regional businesses and public agencies, the six-year-old tradition continues to establish itself as a mainstay autumn event for the Waseca community.
