McMinnville Parks and Recreation will host the 13th annual Trail of Treats along the Milner Recreation Center Walking Trail Friday, where locals gather in costumes and approach vendor booths.
Recreation Program Coordinator Rene Alvarez said the event helps local businesses advertise and fosters community among the small town residents through a safe, family-friendly event. Alvarez said business booths line the walking trail, as residents walk the trail and receive candy from each booth. Alvarez said locals wear a variety of costumes every year from children and adults.
“Thriller, scary theme, there’s plenty of, you know Disney princesses and what not. There’s Transformers to popular video games, to new movies, to old movies,” Alvarez said. “There’s just so many different costumes, you just never know what you’re going to see.”
Alvarez said locals appreciate the safety of the event, as the area and large crowd produce a safe environment for trick-or-treaters. Alvarez said this event is somewhere parents know their children will be safe.
“It’s just a great event to offer the community so that they all feel secure and have a fun event to come to,” Alvarez said. With us being a bit of a smaller town, you know, everybody seems to kind of just know each other, has a relation to somebody. So, you know these groups really enjoy coming out spending time to get us a community and just getting to see all the wonderful people in our town.”
Alvarez said an abundance of people come back to the event year after year, walking back and forth between the decorated booths with friends and family.
“I just know there is a long line of families ready to go right at 5 o’ clock,” Alvarez said. “Then, you know, its just non-stop the amount of people that show up for this event.”
Alvarez said the pumpkin drop is a highly anticipated portion of the event, happening near the end. Station 1 firefighters drop a pumpkin from the top of a ladder truck. Alvarez said the firefighters drop the pumpkin after a countdown. Alvarez said children attending the event love the tradition.
“They’re excited, they’re looking forward to it.” Alvarez said. “It’s not something they typically get to see year round, especially, I’m sure, from a height this large.”
Alvarez said several local businesses and organizations come to the event. Alvarez said the city of McMinnville, multiple churches, charities and a school group will man booths.
“There’s tons of organizations that have come out and get involved,” Alvarez said. “With it being such a big and great event.”
