By JIM LUKSIC
The Progress
Individually wrapped treats outnumbered trunks during Mesquite’s annual Trunk or Treat in CasaBlanca Resort & Casino’s adjacent parking garage on Halloween night.
Mesquite Police Department (MPD) hosted the event, which fell on a Tuesday and marked its 17th year.
It was attended by approximately 4,500 costume-clad kids. There were 38 vendors on hand with trunkfuls and buckets of sweet confections along with festive kiosks, adorned vehicles, canopies, and giant popcorn boxes stuffed with balloons.
MPD Public Information Officer Sgt. Wyatt Oliver said the two-hour affair, dubbed “Spooktacular Circus,” went according to plan.
“We had a great community turn-out once again,” he said. “We love creating these events and getting involved with everyone in town. It’s a safe alternative for kids and families who don’t go door to door (for trick-or-treat).”
Many businesses participate each year, Oliver explained, “to get their names out there while helping the community.”
His wife, Ashley, lends a helping hand and then some. “She does most of this,” Oliver said while pointing to decorations being set up around the venue, hours before Trunk or Treat commenced. “Ashley spends most of the year working on donations, finding and repurposing items for the Halloween decorations.”
Everybody who contributes does so voluntarily. Businesses reserved trunk space free of charge, contingent upon having at least 4,000 pieces of candy – which are required because of the aforementioned thousands of sweet-toothed guests.
“Vendors must be prepared,” Oliver said, adding that MPD brings a stash of treats to contribute if necessary.
As part of the festive and friendly competition, a trio of winners were announced afterward. Reliance Connects earned top honors, followed by The Beauty Shop and Sun City Mesquite.
This year’s Trunk or Treat was no mystery to a number of families and business owners, many of whom had attended the event for the last several years.
Vicky Moreno of Moreno Party Rentals enjoys the occasion so much, she has never skipped it.
“We have been coming every year since it started,” she said about her family.
Another visitor who has darkened the garage door each year is Eugene Burnette, who didn’t mince words when asked why he came back. “Grandkids. I just make sure they’re safe,” he explained.
Humans weren’t the only creatures around: It stands to reason, Pampered Pooches Pet Grooming employees brought along a pair of dogs. Leah Ellison, dressed to the nines, said that her crew participates “for the kids, the town, and police department.”
Near the entrance stood Eddie Lopez, president and exalted ruler of local Elks Lodge #2811, who said Trunk or Treat is one of a myriad of events at which his organization pitches in. “It’s a lot of fun,” he added.
Mesquite Gaming, which operates CasaBlanca, provided the spacious garage, previously part of the Oasis.
