RIPLEY – Ripley Main Street Association has set Thursday, Oct. 29, for the annual Spirit Day, Halloween, and Chili Cook-Off Festival beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the Downtown Square in Ripley.

According to Ripley Main Street Director Craig Miller, "We want to invite everyone to participate this year. We’ve planned to set up the Halloween trick or treat Spirit Booths around the sidewalk area in front of various businesses; and the Chili Cook-Off competition will be around the Courthouse." "Children entering the Halloween costume contest will need to register at 5:30 p.m. and the contest begins at 6," Miller added.

A new feature for the night’s activities this year will be an ongoing Frankenstein movie. Dixie-Net has provided a big screen for the original movie filmed in 1939. It will hang at the west end of the courthouse beginning at 5:30 and continuing throughout the night. At 7 p.m., the Ripley High School cheerleaders will lead the Pep Rally with the Ripley High School Band.

Miller said, "We would like to encourage more Spirit Booth and Chili Cook-Off participation. Booths will set up in a 10 x 10’ area with a tent, if possible. A lot of children come to the trick or treat activity, and a variety of carnival-like booths would be great. Even if a group decides to set up a booth or join the chili competition at the last minute, just call, and we’ll find a spot for them."

Chili Cook-Off contestants can set up on the Square from noon until 5 p.m. judging is from 6-7 p.m.

Said Miller, "In the event of rain, everything will be on the same time schedule, but will move to the Ripley Park Gym." For any questions contact Ripley Main Street Association at 512-0226 or at ripleymainstreet@dixie-net.com. The office is located at 205 E. Spring Street, across from the Tippah County Historical Museum.