City Administrator Adam Emerick told the Conway City Council on Nov. 3 that October 2025 brought a record number of downtown visitors during the city's Halloween program and that staff and volunteers worked extensive hours to support the events.

Emerick said the city recorded 456,900 visits downtown during October, a nearly 50% increase over last year. He identified Oct. 18 as the peak day with about 37,500 visitors and said three Saturdays that month drew more than 30,000 people; the average daily attendance for October was 14,800. Emerick said economic impact figures will follow when hospitality-fee data is available, and he gave anecdotal reports that several restaurants and food trucks had their best months on record.

Emerick also announced personnel updates: Chief Lee Hendrick informed the city this morning that he will retire at the end of the year after 32 years in the department and 11 years as fire chief. Later in the meeting, Captain Tammy Carter delivered remarks to the council announcing her retirement effective this Saturday and thanked colleagues and the community for 26 years of service.

Emerick closed his report with upcoming event notes: the official kickoff for Christmas in Conway and a tree lighting will be Dec. 4 (Main Street will be closed starting around 3 p.m.), and the Coastal Carolina University homecoming parade will run through downtown at 4 p.m. on Friday; the city encouraged businesses to consider opening during peak evening hours when foot traffic is highest.