Peter Geiger holds king-size candy bars Monday that he and his staff will hand out to trick-or-treaters Tuesday at his business, Geiger, at 70 Mount Hope Ave. in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal
LEWISTON — Peter Geiger has been planning his annual Halloween Party since the day after Halloween last year.
It’s a party that’s been growing every year since he started handing out three king-size candy bars to every person who came to his door at his home on a dead-end street in Lewiston in 1997.
After years of traffic jams and crowded streets, and much to the delight of most of his neighbors, COVID-19 forced him to move the party to his business, Geiger, at 70 Mount Hope Ave. in Lewiston, three years ago.
Over the years he has handed out over 76,000 king-size candy bars and expects to entertain 2,500 trick-or-treaters this year, each getting their allotment of three each.
Every year there is some new challenge, but this year it’s been more than a challenge on many different fronts.
“I’m not letting anything or anyone stand in the way and was prepared to have it as long as there was not a lockdown still in place,” Geiger said. “I feel it’s important, especially in light of the tragic events last week. I want the people to be happy and celebrate. We need it.”
Peter Geiger holds king-size candy bars Monday that he and his staff will hand out at his business, Geiger, at 70 Mount Hope Ave. in Lewiston on Halloween. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal
In the past few months, Geiger has had a hard time acquiring the cache of the king-size candy and other treats.
“I was hoping to go to one place and buy cases of candy, but nobody has cases to sell,” he said. “There is a shortage of chocolate and stores just don’t stock extra cases, so I have been buying it in bits and pieces over the past two months. I’ve got 28 varieties, but Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are usually the most popular.”
Every year he goes on the radio to announce a “password” trick-or-treaters have to know to receive their three candy bars, but he admits nobody goes away empty handed if they don’t.
It will be announced on several local radio stations and online at his business websites: geiger.com and farmersalmanac.com.
“This is all about community, having fun, family, friends and laughing and having a good time,” Geiger said. “In light of what’s gone on this past week, this is something we all really need.”
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