This is Halloween, Houston Halloween

HOUSTON — Houston residents and a sizable crowd of visitors from across the Valley made their way across the Little Susitna Campgrounds to celebrate Halloween, taking part in the city’s Parks and Recreation commission’s second annual Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Houston Fire Chief Christian Hartley was one of several firefighters onsite during the event, handing out candy and taking pictures with families. The cold weather didn’t seem to stop families from having a good time. Kids laughed and ran around the campground, elated to see all the different costumes.

“It’s been fun. Everyone’s just enjoying the chance to get and do something with the family; even though it’s single digits,” Hartley said.

Hartley said it turned out to be a popular event this year, with about 300 kids coming through during the first hour. He said that’s probably due to the fact that regular trick or treating isn’t really happening this year.

“They’re not reaching in a community bowl like normal,” Hartley said. “I’d say about two thirds are from outside… They’re just looking for a safe place to trick or treat… You gotta do what you can so your kids can still have a childhood. Halloween and trick or treating is a big part of that.”

For this particular trunk or treat event, numerous participating vehicles from city officials, business owners and other community members were parked across the campground. Families had the chance to walk around the site at their own pace and visit with each spookily decorated candy station.

According to Hartley, this is a new holiday trend the city’s new parks and rec commission wants to keep going. He said the campsite is closed during the winter.

“That’s what makes this a nice, secure place,” Hartley said.

According to Hartley, there were over a dozen participants plus a food truck at the event. He said there was a lot of positive feedback from attendees.

“We have not heard a single complaint yet, other than it’s cold,” Hartley said.

Parents like Wasilla mother Shaina Bristore said they had a good time. Bristore brought her 6-year-old daughter Lilly to the event.

“I’m having so much fun but we should do Halloween in July,” Bristore said with a laugh. “I think it’s a great idea, and it’s a great use of this property during the winter time.”

Lilly was dressed up as a vampire. She said her favorite part of Halloween is getting candy and getting to wear a costume. She had a lot of fun, but had a hard time picking her favorite part of the event.

“I’ll pick the firefighters. I’m gonna be a firefighter when I grow up,” Lilly said.

City of Houston Parks and Recreation Commissioner Kimberly Mietzah Damkoehler was one of several trunk or treat participants who handed out candy from her vehicle.

“In spite of the cold... We’re still having a good time,” Mietzah Damkoehler said with a laugh. “I love the handmade costumes the most. Man, people come up with some really great stuff.”

Mietzah Damkoehler’s daughter Brandy Adams was dressed up in an inflatable unicorn costume. Another inflated trick or treater, Jennifer Pool was wearing an air filled dinosaur costume. When the two saw each other, they ran up to each other for a big, inflatable hug.

“Trick or Treating was a big part of my childhood,” Pool said.

Pool said that she’s 22 now, but she still loves Halloween. She said that she was born and raised in the Valley, and events like these have proven to be great opportunities for her friends and neighbors to give their kids that familiar feeling despite the unfamiliar circumstances surrounding the world.

“All these adults doing this for kids is super cool,” Pool said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com