The 2nd Annual Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce Merchant Trick or Treat experienced a surge in participants this year. According to Chamber Director April Lovelace, approximately 500 children participated in last year’s inaugural event and in only the first hour of this year’s event 600 had come by the merchant tables. “The kids had a wonderful time and I had parents telling me how thankful they were that our business community would come together to do this event for their children,” said Lovelace. Picayune Police and Pearl River County Sheriff’s Departments were highly visible throughout the event, both working tables and patrolling. Parents brought children from throughout Pearl River County and parts of Hancock County to enjoy the event. Shown right are: Six-year-old Jack (Jedi) and four-year-old Natalie (Lalaloopsey Doll) Sones, whose parents, Savannah and Taylor, brought them from Necaise after reading about the event on Facebook. Shown above: Eager crowds of children lined the street in front of PJ’s to get candy and treats from Chamber members participating in the event.