Quad communities go all-in for Halloween

QUAD CITIES – Something about the Hunter’s Moon and Halloween draws the ghouls and goblins like a horde of locusts. The creatures consume sweets and treats in staggering quantities. Then they vanish in a cloud of confection as mysteriously as they appeared until the craving returns – that usually takes about a year – and back out of their burrows they come.

BREWSTER

The Chamber of Commerce sponsored its annual costume contest in Legion Park. Medals were handed out to every entrant and trophies were awarded to the best costumes in five age groups.

The Brewster Police Department had a table at the event where they distributed candy, police stickers, and reflective glow-in-the-dark bags to make the trunk-or-treaters easier to spot in the dark.

“It’s a great way for the officers to interact with the kids,” said city Director of Finance Misty Ruiz, “and the police stickers they hand out are a popular item.”

P1FCU Credit Union and The Childrens House Childcare Center handed out treats as well.

Legion Columbia Post 97 members Glenn Farrington and Greg Wagg manned the trunk or treat vehicle in the parking lot.

Trick or Treat Down Main Street kept businesses and partygoers busy until dark.

PATEROS

Trunk-or-treat in the high school parking lot is always a high-energy event with a variety of activities from the FFA barbecue to a balloon photo backdrop.

The Pateros Fire Department had an engine and rescue truck on display. Volunteer and Second Lieutenant Bruce Henne said the 40 pounds of Pink Lady apples he brought along were a hit with families.

“I gave away easily 100 individual apples,” Henne recalled in addition to bags handed out to families.

BRIDGEPORT

The elementary school came through with its popular trunk-or-treat in the spacious parking lot. More than a dozen decorated vehicles with creatively clad volunteers handed out candy plus a scare or two. Even a school minibus was pressed into service so treats could be distributed out the back door.

MANSFIELD

The Lions Club sponsored the fifth annual Douglas County Fire District 5’s fifth annual truck-or-treat at the fire station on Main Street. Not only was there plenty for the kids, but also awards for the best decorated trunk.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483, michael@ward.media