November 4, 2004

Lincoln Avenue trick or treating

Small town atmosphere is a treat for children, parents, merchants

By Carol Rosen
Editor

While ghosts, goblins and other scary creatures were waiting until dark, the preschool set was out in force on the morning of Oct. 29, dressed in Halloween finery and picking up all kinds of treats from candy to books.

The young set—one young devil was only 3 months old—was out in droves meeting Mickey and Minnie Mouse, several clowns and a number of witches who were handing out sweet treats. From Peak Travel to Hicklebee’s and from Longs Drugs to Casa Casa, business owners and clerks passed out candy to the kids.

Possibly the largest crowd was in front of Willow Glen Yoga, where Rebecca Morgan had staked out Books for Treats. Many of the children’s eyes lit up when they saw the books. Even those who couldn’t get out of their strollers were excited to see the books, and happily looked at the pictures.

Three cats travel down the avenue looking for treats. From left are 13-month-old Kyle and Cameron Dunn and 14-month-old Max Amend, all of Willow Glen.

Morgan noted that she’d passed out about 3,000 books in the two hours the preschool children paraded down the sidewalks. “It’s one of my biggest joys to see their eyes light up. It’s so different from the candy, and it’s so much better for them,” she said. A publisher had sent her four cartons of a hardback book about animals and the children excitedly picked up and looked through the books.

Even the moms were treated to candy and fun. Details, the clothing store, also was handing out bars of soap for moms. The plumbing store had a bathtub full of candy and giant—especially compared to the kids—Mickey and Minnie Mouse stuffed animals were available for photo ops in front of Peak Travel.

It was Lorie Bowlby’s first trick or treat on Lincoln Avenue. Eleven-month old Matthew, who turns 1 on Nov. 12, was dressed as Elvis. Lorie was especially surprised at the number of moms, kids and strollers. She termed it much fun.

“I especially liked the treat for mom from Details (a bar of soap), the book giveaway, bathtub full of candy at the plumbing fixture store and the fact that almost everyone passing out candy was dressed up. I even saw some business owners doing candy detail. What a great event our local businesses put on for our community,” she said enthusiastically.

Others also praised the merchants for their time and their candy. “Thank you to the WG businesses who provided candy and other treats to the children yesterday.  It’s another example of how special and wonderful our community is,” said Catherine Edwards, mother of Jeremy.
 
She provided a special acknowledgement to Rebecca Morgan for her Books for Treats gifts of new or gently used books!  “I escorted five fourth grade boys yesterday afternoon and they were thrilled the most about receiving one of Rebecca’s books.  When the boys saw their friends they exclaimed, ‘Look at the cool book from the lady across the street!’”

Edwards hid her son’s bag of candy when they returned home, but she didn’t have to worry, he didn’t even ask for it, she said, but “he begged for the book that he received from Rebecca.”

Costumes were really cute this year. Nemo the clown fish was there along with Stitch from the “Lilo and Stitch” movie; Nemo talked, Stitch didn’t, but he did make some really funny noises. There were many gorgeous fairy princesses, angels and Dorothy was also there along with Auntie Em (her mom) and followed closely by another mom dressed as the wicked witch of the West. Tinkerbell also was there, but around noon removed her wings because she was tired.

It was obvious a good time was had by all. By the time noon rolled around, the kids were ready for lunch and their naps, although some were eyeing their candy rather hungrily.