Island families gather for free candy and costume contests
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce distributed treats and hosted a four-category competition before directing visitors to local shops.
By Dominic Foster ·
Children and adults received free candy and competed for prizes in Holmes Beach on Friday, October 30. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce hosted the event in its parking lot, providing a direct link between local families and island retailers.
The afternoon program featured a costume contest divided into four age groups with specific subcategories. Elian Covarrubias, dressed as a baby pirate, won the contest. His parents, Nelda and Jaime, accompanied him to the event.
Chamber members distributed sweets to attendees. After the competitions concluded, the Anna Maria Island Privateers acted as crossing guards on Marina Drive. They directed pedestrians across the street to The Island Shopping Center. Several businesses in Anna Maria and the Roser Church also participated in the event.
Amber Tipton, the Chamber president, stated that the organization aims to support community businesses for families. “We do this to support the community businesses on the island for the kids and the families on the island,” Tipton said. She described the gathering as outreach from the Chamber.
Tipton noted that many families attended the costume contest before moving to the shopping center. The event concluded with participants visiting the participating stores. The Chamber organized the annual celebration to connect island residents with local commerce.
