Kids braved the pouring rain on Beggar’s Nite

Courtesy of Jeanne Upton: Pouring rain blurred the camera, but it didn’t stop hundreds of children and their parents from lining up at the Medicine Shoppe Friday evening for Beggar’s Night in Medina.

This young creature is one of hundreds who lined up outside the Medicine Shoppe in Medina for Beggar’s Night Friday evening.

MEDINA – Pouring rain Friday night didn’t dampen the spirits of hundreds of children who came out for Beggar’s Night in the village of Medina.

Children started lining up well before 5:30 p.m. for the Medina Area Partnership-sponsored event, according to MAP president Scott Robinson.

Robinson said they feared the bad weather might result in a light turnout, but it turned out to be quite the opposite.

“We typically have between 600 and 800 children who come out for Beggar’s Night, and this year was no exception,” Robinson said.

Some of the business owners also dressed in costume to welcome the little beggars, Robinson said.

“Everyone was in the spirit,” he said. “And everyone was having a blast.”

Sue Phillips was one of the deacons at the First Presbyterian Church who gave out candy.

“It was a good turnout of children in costumes and parents with umbrellas,” Phillips said. “All the deacons who helped went home damp and cold, but it was a lot of fun, seeing all the costumes and handing out candy. We had lots of laughs.”

Courtesy of Sue Phillips: The deacons from the First Presbyterian Church on Main Street in Medina gave out candy for Beggar’s Night Friday evening. From left are Ginny Roberts, Sue Phillips, Peggy Pearce (seated), Rollie Phillips and Yvette Nevins. Also participating were the Rev. William Wilkinson and his children, Patty and Jeremy.

The Lee Whedon Library participated in Beggar’s Night by giving each child candy, a toy and a book of their choice. Books were donated by Tops, said children’s librarian Kelsey Withey.

Robinson said they were thrilled to be able to have the event this year, as last year they couldn’t, due to Covid. Instead, they held a scaled-down event, where they handed out candy to children in a drive-thru format.

He said this year they adhered to Health Department guidelines for Friday night, and store owners wore masks as suggested.

“Beggar’s Night is not about MAP, it’s a time to give back to the kids,” Robinson said.

He added Beggar’s Night is a perfect introduction to the upcoming holiday events in Medina, beginning with Christmas in Medina and the Parade of Lights the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Albion also hosted Beggar’s Night on Friday.

This was the scene on Main Street in Medina, as hundreds of children braved the rain for Beggar’s Night Friday.