Licking lights the night

By Editor | November 5, 2025 |

Photos by Shari Harris
Group Costume winners were: first place Miranda, Stephen and Vylah O’Daniel with Beauty and the Beast themed costumes; second place Steve and Angie Horvath; and third place Andrew and Tonya Parrish with a Ghostbusters theme.

From left, Spiderman Austyn Lewis took third place, pickup man Colt Nickels was second and Kiara Jack as a cowgirl was first in the 0-4 age group.

Winners from the largest group, the 5-12 age group, were, from left, Harlee Clouse first place, Gracie Pennington second place and Sierra Nickels third place

In the 13 and up age group, from left, Ryder Evans won first place, Brooke Collins was second and Charles Danner was third.

By Shari Harris, Publisher

Main Street in downtown Licking was closed to traffic Halloween evening for the annual Light the Night festival. Businesses, churches, organizations and individuals passed out candy and other treats along the sidewalks and in the parking lots of Fox Funeral Home and the United Methodist Church. Large numbers of trick or treaters stepped off Main Street to go to the Fire Department’s haunted fire station and the Haunted Mill, as well.

The Kimble Parker Band performed live in front of City Hall, offering revelers even more entertainment. City Hall was also the location for the costume contest.

There were four categories in this year’s costume contest. Winners in the 0-4 age group included Kiara Jack, first place; Colt Nickels, second place; and Austyn Lewis, third place.

The 5-12 age group had the most contestants and the council chamber was full. Judges Tina Hood and Rhonda Shelley found it a difficult task to choose a winner among some very nice costumes. Winners in this category were Harlee Clouse, first; Gracie Pennington, second; and Sierra Nickels, third.

The 13 and older group had four contestants. Winners were Ryder Evans, first place; Brooke Collins, second; and Charles Danner, third.

The final category was for groups. Winners were first place, Miranda, Stephen and Vylah O’Daniel; second place Steve and Angie Horvath; and third place Andrew and Tonya Parrish.

In addition to the trunk-or-treating along Main Street, homes throughout the area also welcomed trick or treaters, so no one should have gone home with an empty treat bag.

The next large event in the community will be Saturday, December 6, when the Christmas Craft Show and Santa will be at the VFW, Santa will hand out toys at the mill and the Christmas parade will head down Main Street. This year’s parade theme is “O What Fun.” Floats/entries should be designed thinking about what Christmas fun means to you. The Lighting of the Mill will take place the evening of November 29.