Wasilla Chamber hosts large turnout at Halloween Town

WASILLA — The Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce saw a large turnout at their annual Halloween Town event in the Menard Sports Center parking lot Saturday afternoon. Many attendees and visitors reported a respectable variety of outfits with lots of creative costume craftsmanship on display.

“It was a great, successful event,” Wasilla Chamber Executive Director Jessica Viera said.

Viera said between the city and other participating vendors, there were over a dozen games for kids to play at the event. There were numerous food trucks onsite as well. She said it was even bigger than their event last year in spite of all the surrounding circumstances.

“I love this event,” Viera said. I like seeing all the joy on the kids faces.”

Wasilla Police Department Public Information Officer Amanda Graham and officer Nate Lecours handed out candy and took pictures with attending children and their families in front of a flickering police vehicle.

“A good turn out… We went through half a tub of candy,” Graham said with a laugh. “Lots of smiles, lots of costumes. Wasillians are very creative.”

Lecours said that he and his fellow officers regularly attend events like these.

“This is my every day costume,” Lecours joked.

Lecours said that he loves being a part of these ongoing opportunities for local law enforcement to connect with members of the community.

“I think it’s overall a success the community came to show their support. I like seeing smiles and putting a face to the badge. It’s not something you see everyday, “ Lecours said.

Kim Weiman was one of several vendors with games set up around their vehicles. She brought her grandsons Paxton and Blake to enjoy the festivities.

“It has been awesome. I like the outside, being spread out,” Weiman said.

Weiman was dressed up as the Grinch with her coworker playing the role of Cindy Loo Who. She said it’s been a lot of fun interacting with his friends and neighbors all day.

“I’m so happy to do a social event,” Weiman said. “There’s been some awesome costumes.”

Megan Zhao participated as a vendor in the trunk or treat lineup of vehicles. She brought her twin toddlers who giddily made their way around from one booth to the other, trying out the various games and free treats. She said it was a good family event to be part of.

“It was a good way for kids to have a chance to get out when it’s not dark,” Zhao said.

Zhao said they’re a military family that moves around a lot, and this is their first Halloween in Alaska. She said that she’s looking forward to introducing her family to the fun and colorful things All Hallow’s Eve has to offer.

“It’s the start to the holiday season. It’s kind of magical,” Zhao said.

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