Goblins great and small on prowl for Halloween

by Susie Vasquez

Staff Writer

Hundreds of toddlers to teens dressed as gremlins and queens are expected at Douglas County's Trick-or-Treat Safety Street 3-8 p.m. Wednesday at the CVIC Hall in downtown Minden.

"It's very popular and the numbers are increasing every year," said Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy Theresa Duffy. "Last year, more than 2,500 people came through the door. We'll be having a ghost town, raffle and tons of treats."

Hair Cottage, Costco and East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts are just some of the local organizations and businesses providing ghoulish little establishments complete with treats for the kids who enter, if they dare.

"It's set up like a mini-town and each participant has a different door front," Duffy said. "They all pass out candy to the kids."

Each child gets a raffle ticket with their $2 admission, to be redeemed near the stage. Items to be raffled include bicycles, scooters and books. Everyone leaves with a prize, Duffy said.

Kelly Nalder, a mom and Realtor with Re/Max, helps distribute prizes on the CVIC stage. Her 22-year-old son first attended the event when he was a child. He continued the tradition in high school and now is a volunteer. Her daughter, now 9, attends every year.

"The kids love it," she said. "It's a great thing for them and perfect if the weather's bad."

This years' event includes 26 booths. Carson Valley Inn, World Gym, Lake Tahoe Mortgage and The Record-Courier are just a few of the 20 corporate sponsors who have combined efforts to make the event a success.

"It takes more than 150 volunteers to run this event," Duffy said. "The Record-Courier and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office are the main sponsors."

Safety Street is timed to coincide with school schedules so children can be ferried to the event and be home by nightfall.

For those trick-or-treaters daring to venture into the night, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office has issued a special alert this year concerning bears, Duffy said.

"Bears love sweets and could be attracted to the scent," she said. "If anyone comes across a bear, they should drop their goodies and back away toward shelter. Keep calm, and don't run."

Parents shouldn't allow children to trick or treat without supervision and it's prudent to visit only familiar homes. Treats should be inspected by an adult before they're eaten and costumes should be light reflective and nonrestrictive, but not a tripping hazard, Duffy said.

"The kids should never enter anyone's home, nor approach vehicles. If anyone tries to entice a child into a vehicle it should be reported immediately," she said. "Drivers also need to be vigilant about watching for kids."

• Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.

What: Trick Or Treat Safety Street

When: 3-6 p.m. Wednesday

Where: CVIC Center, 1602 Esmeralda St., Minden

Cost: Admission costs $2 per child and parents are free.