DELAND, Fla. — The Stetson University Hatters are ready to bring some Halloween spirit to downtown DeLand this Saturday, Oct. 31, as student-athletes and athletics staff join the annual Monsters on Main Street celebration from 6-8 p.m.
Stetson teams will be on hand to greet local families, hand out hundreds of pounds of candy and help make the popular community event a fun-filled Halloween tradition for children and visitors of all ages.
The downtown Halloween events is one of several activities and competitions that make up a busy day for Stetson athletics. The football team plays a 1 p.m. contest against Dayton at Spec Martin Stadium, the women's soccer team hosts its Senior Day game against Florida Gulf Coast at 4 p.m. and the men's soccer team conducts its regular-season finale against Central Arkansas at 7 p.m.
Monsters on Main Street features safe trick-or-treating at participating downtown merchants, costume contests, local community groups and a variety of family-friendly festivities. The event offers families a chance to enjoy Halloween in the heart of DeLand while connecting with local businesses and organizations.
The event is another opportunity for Stetson Athletics to connect with the DeLand community beyond the playing field. Throughout the year, Hatters teams and student-athletes participate in dozens of community events, contributing hundreds of hours of service to support local families and organizations.
From the ME STRONG 5K and the Mardi Gras Dog Parade and Festival to HatterFest and other community celebrations, Stetson student-athletes regularly engage with their neighbors and help strengthen the university's connection to the community.
The Hatters' commitment to service also extends into local schools and neighborhood improvement efforts. The Stetson football team participates in High Five Fridays, visiting local elementary schools to welcome students and help start their school days with a little extra encouragement. In addition, several Stetson teams take part in community cleanups and beautification projects that help keep DeLand looking its best.
These efforts reflect Stetson Athletics' commitment to making a positive impact throughout the community and providing student-athletes with opportunities to serve as ambassadors for the university.
Stetson Athletics encourages families to head to downtown DeLand from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, enjoy the Halloween festivities and stop by to say hello to the Hatters!
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
About MainStreet DeLand Association
MainStreet DeLand Association is a 501(c)(3) charitable cause dedicated to supporting and enhancing the continuing economic development of Downtown DeLand while protecting and promoting its historic heritage. Since its designation in 1985, the organization has been instrumental in reimagining the design of downtown, attracting investors and business owners, and advocating for economic opportunity for small businesses in Downtown DeLand.
