Alton, Mo. – The Alton Chamber of Commerce met on Thursday, October 16, 2025, for its monthly meeting. The main topic of the meeting was the Trunk-or-Treat.
Recap
The meeting started with a quick recap of the Walnut Festival. The only major downfall of the festival that was discussed was some of the electric outlets did not work on the square. For the questionnaires that were handed out to the vendors, several came back with almost all positive reviews. One of the only suggestions was the need for more porta-potties.
The bicycle and tricycle races (there were 19 participants) raised $95, and the run raised $660 (there were 33 participants), totaling $755.
Trunk-or-Treat
The trunk-or-treat will be on the southwest end of the square, from Farm Bureau to the courthouse sidewalk, and from Young’s light pole to the courthouse. It was decided that the Chamber will have a trunk at the event. If there are severe storms, the event will be moved inside to either the multi-purpose room or the FEMA building.
Contests
It was decided that there will be a best-decorated trunk (with a $100 prize) and a best-decorated business (a travel trophy).
The costume contest will have 11 and under, 12 and up, and family categories. The family category will have first and second place with a $75 gift card to Jason’s Mexican Restaurant and $50 gift card to Court Square Cafe, respectively. For the 11 and under and 12 and up categories, there will be a scary and funny category with $20 prizes for first place. All the costumes will be judged on originality.
The inflatable costume race will have four age divisions (5 and under; 6 to 10; 11 to 17; 18 and up). Winners will receive $20 (a toy may be substituted for the 5 and under group).
It was also decided to buy a banner from the UPS store to advertise the Trunk-or-Treat.
OzSBI
The Chamber will write a letter supporting an OzSBI grant application. The Chamber agreed to sponsor a small business session workshop with OzSBI in Alton, tentatively scheduled for March.
Christmas On the Town
The Chamber will promote businesses staying open late. Kelsey Orr will take the photos with Santa. The Chamber will see if Jason’s Mexican Restaurant can have the photo booth this year with Collins Coffee and S&S Fabric as back-up spots.
Miscellaneous
A need was identified for a permanent, accessible checklist (possibly online via the website) so that members can track annual planning items (like announcing the t-shirt art contest in April, etc.)
