MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) — Meridian Community College will welcome families for its annual Candy Cruise Around the Track on Thursday, Oct. 29, featuring Halloween-themed activities, costumes and candy giveaways.
The free event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the college’s track and is open to the public.
Hosted by MCC’s Eagle’s Nest Bookstore and sponsored by the MCC Foundation, Candy Cruise brings together students, faculty and staff to create themed booths where children can collect candy and participate in Halloween activities.
This year’s event will feature characters and themes including Spider-Man, Scooby-Doo, Disney princesses and the Avengers. MCC departments and student groups will also host booths inspired by a candy shop, a dollhouse, “Monster Mash” and “Operation Trick or Treatment.”
The event continues to grow as a fall tradition for area families. In 2025, about 2,500 people attended, with MCC teams distributing more than 80,000 pieces of candy.
Early admission available for guests with special needs
A special early admission period will be offered from 5 to 5:30 p.m. for guests with special needs.
The sensory-friendly option is designed to provide smaller crowds and easier access before the event opens to the public.
“We want every child to be able to take part in this celebration,” said Jan Murphy, manager of the Eagle’s Nest Bookstore.
Families needing special accommodations can request an early admission pass by calling 601-484-8650.
Event history
Candy Cruise began in 2020 as a drive-through event during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, it has grown into an annual campus celebration that brings MCC and the community together.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu.
