Treating the tricksters

For kids of the Central Peninsula there was no shortage of Halloween activities or candies. And parents certainly got their money’s worth from this year’s costumes with events all weekend long in addition to the traditional trick or treating on the 31^st of October.

On the Saturday before Halloween the Boys &Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula held the 19^th Annual Trunk or Treat at the Kenai Club House. Started as a safe alternative to kids walking the streets at night for their treats, Trunk or Treat gives families the opportunity to gather at the Kenai Club House where local businesses and agencies set up their uniquely spooky trunks and pass out treats outside while inside the gymnasium was bustling with fun and games.

“We have to give huge kudos to our staff, volunteers and donors because without their support and the community coming together there is no way we could make this event happen, so a huge shout out everyone who supported this year’s Trunk or Treat,” said Heather Schloeman, executive director for the Boys &Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula.

According Schloeman at least 25 trunks participated with tons of treats and spooky characters, from the National Guard to the American Legion and local businesses like Harley Davidson of the Kenai Peninsula that had a Harley HOG in their trunk with skeletonized biker handing out candy.

“The kids are not the only ones who like dressing up, the parents really love to join it too and we saw some great costumes this year as well as big participation from our teens,” added Schloeman.

Costumed adults were also abundant the following evening at the Tsalteshi Trails Spook Night and Zombie Run. Even with temperatures hovering just above the freezing mark and slick, wet trails, there was a big turnout of kids and adults.

“This is a typical turnout for our Spook Night out here at Tsalteshi,” said board president John Pothast, “It’s a great turnout, an awesome night and a great Alaskan family activity regardless of the weather. When it comes to collecting candy kids are almost immune to the weather, we have 13 tables around our 1K trail giving out candy this year and we also handed out tooth brushes,” laughed Pothast.

Now in their 30^th year the Tsalteshi Trails have grown to be year round destination for a multitude of events.

It was a muddy trek around the 1K Tsalteshi Treat Trail where volunteers greeted the kiddos and guided them to the various stands the first of which had emergency lights glaring and SPD officers protecting the crime scene and offering safety tips for kids who also planned on going door to door Trick or Treating in the city.

“You want to stay on the main streets especially in the Soldotna area where there are street lights and the kids need to wear bright clothing, carry glow sticks, reflector taped hats or jackets and be very mindful of the traffic. At events like this the candy is all pre-approved but when kids go door to door it’s a good idea to check the candy to be sure it hasn’t been tampered with before letting the kids eat it,” said Officer Brennan.

With the darker days upon us Officer Brennan encouraged anyone walking or riding a bike to wear reflective clothing.

“And understand that all drivers need extra time to stop their vehicle so be extra careful when crossing roads and drivers be extra alert, approach the roundabouts slower and look left and yield to the car in the roundabout,” said Officer Brennan.