About Town: Kids of All Ages Stormed the Streets to Trick-or-Treat

What an eventful weekend we had here in Summit! Halloween was, of course, the big story in town and Saturday's weather provided the perfect backdrop for hundreds of kids who were out trick-or-treating  downtown with their families.

There was a festive feel throughout town businesses. Coldwell Banker staffers were dressed in full costume, happily taking Polaroids of the costumed kids who walked through their office, serving them treats along the way. The Wine List handed out candy for the kids and offered a treat — wine samples — for adults! Harquail Brothers served coffee and donuts for parents, while kids picked through their big bin of chocolates.

But the big draw had to be Renaissance Church's Halloween Carnival. The carnival, which has become a popular staple downtown for the last five years, was full of fun things to do. Organizer, Beckie Laubscher, presided over the enormous event that took place on two levels of the church. One floor included carnival games such as Smash the Frogs, Fat Cats beanbag toss, and hoops basketball. Winners were awarded an assortment of candy. On the other level, there was a bounce house for the little ones, face painting, a popcorn machine as well as a cotton candy maker.  Church members volunteered to run the games and served water bottles and snacks to all in attendance. The volunteers were also dressed to the nines in some snazzy costumes. Sarah Hubler and her brother, Andrew, were Snow White, and a green Army man figurine. Laubscher dressed as a '50s girl and looked every bit the part. I asked Laubscher why the Church puts on this fabulous event for the residents in town every year, and she told me it's their way of letting their church members show off just how wonderful the community of Summit is. We couldn't agree more!

Popular costumes this year included zoo animals, bumblebees, Shrek, pirates, '80s girls and Star Wars characters. We also saw many original costumes. Some of my favorites included a lobster boiling in a pot of hot water, a stick of Juicy Fruit gum, a happy birthday gift box, a duct-taped fashionista, and a very funny "Justin Beaver" — a combo of of teen pop star Justin Bieber with a beaver's face. Love it! And there were many families who coordinated costumes. There was a Peter Pan grouping, a few Star Wars families, and a Toy Story family. And while About Town skipped the PAL costume contest, everyone we met downtown were winners in our book!  

There was one piece of troubling news at the trick-or-treating event. In two separate incidences, I found not one, but TWO Almond Joys crushed on the sidewalk. How could this have happened!? Surely no one would squash an Almond Joy on purpose!

And speaking of naughtiness, looks like some were busy making mischief on Saturday night. Families on Fairview Avenue woke up to toilet paper hanging from their trees, and pumpkins were smashed in the middle of the road. While I was out examining the "wreckage" early Sunday morning, one thought came to mind. Amateurs. While the  pumpkin "guts" left a bit of a mess on the street, there were no signs of shaving cream, eggs or soap-covered car windows. While we cannot exactly call this "good, clean fun," the damage could have been a lot worse. Mischief night was eventful, but a mild one, at least in this neighborhood. Was there any tomfoolery on your block Saturday night? E-mail me and let me know.