Organizers were amazed by the turnout, despite the rain, at this now-annual outer East Portland ‘Trunk-or-Treat’ event …
A light rain doesn’t dampen participation in the Parkrose Trunk-or-Treat 2016.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Just before Hallowe’en last year, members of the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) and the Historic Parkrose Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative (HP) held their first-ever “Trunk-or-Treat” event at Parkrose High School.
Even in a pelting rainstorm, about 700 kids and adults showed up for the a festival that provides a safe environment to trick-or-treat, getting candy and goodies from caring adults who’ve filled their vehicles’ trunks with holiday booty.
On October 30, the front parking lot of the high school again became the spot for the neighborhood’s biggest party: Parkrose Trunk-or-Treat 2016.
Alison Stoll with Central Northeast Neighbors proves to be a “good” witch!
With their masks up, Alexander, Dan, and Kristin Trevino don’t look nearly so scary.
“The weather is holding up pretty well, thankfully it’s not as bad as it was last year,” remarked this year’s organizer, and PBA Board Member, Kristin Trevino of Signs Now Northwest.
“But, we’re Oregonians, so rain or shine, the event goes on!” said Trevino bravely – as the rain picked up a bit.
This year, the now-35 participants were prepared for the mid-County event; most of them brought a canopy to partially cover the back of their vehicle and provide “performing space” in which to interact with the costumed kids coming by.
Parkrose Neighborhood Association Chair and “Pirate Queen” Annette Stanhope dispenses booty, instead of (“Arrr”) stealing it.
Long time PBA member Terry Briar, with Davey Tree Experts, provides a “trick” – this creepy spider – along with treats.
Because the event was well-promoted, the line of families waiting to enter snaked along the sidewalk, in front of the high school, for some distance.
Portland Fire & Rescue Parkrose Station #2 was well-represented, with both the Ladder Truck and Engine Companies on site, letting kids clamber up into the vehicles’ cabs. And Portland Police Bureau North Precinct’s “chief outreach officer”, Jason Jones, brought along a department SUV to explore.
From Portland Fire & Rescue Station #2, here are Firefighter Liz Thompson, Captain Tom Walsh, and Firefighter Scott Hughes.
Faerie family Ben Batti, Ali Batti, and Poppy Batti prove their wings can flutter – even in the rain.
DJ Kenny Poirier of Five Point Collective played lively music designed to keep folks “in the spirit” of the event. Area businesses pitched in – American Sani-Can provided “comfort stations”, and Costume Contest sponsors Parkrose Hardware, Parkrose Grocery Outlet, Brown’s Point S Tire, and Argay Square provided prizes.
After it all was over, Trevino said this year’s “Trunk-or-Treat” attracted abut 1,100 attendees, who took home an estimated 45,000 pieces of candy.
This line shows why the organizers were wise to stock up on lots of extra candy to accommodate this year’s crowd!
Kids gather for the costume judging competition, hosted by the man dressed in the snazzy jack-o’-lantern suit, Kenny Poirier. Photo by Calvin Hoff
“This event is really neat, because it’s solely about giving back to the community,” commented Trevino. “Being involved in the PBA, and being a business owner here in Parkrose, it lets us show our appreciation for our community, and give something back to our neighbors.”
© 2016 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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