Trick or Treat in the Heat’s third year in the Valley reaches record-breaking numbers

WASILLA — For the third time Settlers Bay Golf Course played host to the annual Trick or Treat in the Heat memorial event Sunday. It began in 2005 as a makeshift block-party event to give a terminally-ill Anchorage 5-year-old, Ian Robbins, a chance to experience one last trick or treat before he died. Since then, the event has grown into an annual charity event in Anchorage before spreading to the Valley three years ago. The idea is for kids to trick-or-treat early in September in the “heat,” before the Alaskan cold forces kids to cover their costumes in jackets and snow pants.

All the money raised goes toward charities, particularly those for children and cancer research. This year, the funds raised went to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Hospice of Anchorage, the Ronald McDonald Foundation and the American Cancer Society. The concept has caught on and the golf course’s take on the event has grown each year.

Starting at the golf course, families decked out in costumes got an introduction, a map of the surrounding neighborhood, then set out to plunder the houses for candy. Some rented golf carts and zipped around, enjoying a luxury unique to this kind of trick-or-treating. The neighborhood overflowed with colorful characters and gleeful squeals. Upon their return, there were a slew of activities, including snag golf, crazy hair booths, face painting, croquet, bocce ball, giant Jenga, two photo booths (Handmade by Lowe’s volunteers), free popcorn and snow cones and even s'mores melted by a fire pit.

A group of children sat at a table and compared their bounties of sugary treats. Makayla Williams’ favorite candy is Sour Patch Kids. Katie Williams’ favorite candy is Twix (the left one). Brantley Consald’s favorite candy is Snickers.

“I like that a lot of people participate in it and are excited to do it,” Katie Williams said.

Settlers Bay Golf Course event coordinator Vicky Urbina-Howe was surprised by the massive turn out. About 600 tickets were sold nearly doubling last’s year’s numbers.

“This year, it really peaked. The excitement and happiness… all for a really great cause,” Urbina-Howe said.

Since Settlers Bay adapted the memorial event, the Wasilla Lowe’s has been a major sponsor, even encouraging its employees to volunteer. The store manger was also there, handing out candy in the neighborhood. Urbina-Howe said they couldn’t do it without them.

TOTITH drew out hometown heroes as active duty military volunteers pitched in, helping with face-painting, popcorn duty and candy distribution. Local firefighters showed up with their bright red truck and mingled with the crowd. They would periodically flash the lights and siren and educate curious minds on what they do.

“We’ve always enjoyed doing this. It’s fun to see the kid’s reactions (to the fire truck),” said one firefighter, who went by the name “Flash.”

For some parents, their attendance was strictly a service to their offspring. Father of two, Aaron Brehm, was there with his son, Greyson.

“This is my worst nightmare. So many kids jacked up on sugar. I just showed for my kid,” Brehm said.

According to one mom of four, Karamie Hayes-Ramsey, the actual Halloween holiday is “a lot crazier” than TOTITH. She often worries about the increase of crimes during Halloween. She said the TOTITH was a more controlled environment with lot less “chaos.” Like many others, her kids are more worried about getting a two-for-one special, by getting to dress up and get candy twice in one year.

“I like that I get to eat candy before Halloween,” Makayla Williams said.

Shannon Harris was there with her two daughters, Brianna and Kaytlin, and her little toddler cousin, Zelda Burkhart. She was of course there so the kids could have fun, but she knew about the history. The spirit behind the event, Ian Robbins — would be 17 years old now. There was a large image on an easel with his iconic picture in the Buzz Lightyear costume.

“For one, it’s warmer. For two, I like what it supports,” Harris said. “It’s a great cause.”

Contact reporter Jacob Mann at 907-715-8717 or jacob.mann@frontiersman.com