Spiderman followed a multitude of Marios and larger-than-life chickens mingled with Buzz Lightyears, princesses and ninjas in a quest for candy on Pioneer Way Halloween evening.
Children of all ages opted for Oak Harbor’s safe street of Halloween treats. Families filled the sidewalks, the large number of participants forcing many to wait in line for their treats from shop owners.
From a fog machine and spooky, moaning spirits at the downtown mall to bounce-houses and a petting zoo near Pioneer Automotive Services, the crowds had plenty to do – and plenty of candy to keep them awake to do it.
“He wants to eat his candy now,” said Jennifer Lloyd about son Abel. At 2 and a half years old, Buzz Lightyear-clad Abel was excited but afraid of some of the scary costumes, Jennifer said.
Parents dressed up, too, in gorilla garb, princess dresses and witch robes.
John Swendsen handed out candy at the Oak Harbor Tavern dressed as a pirate, complete with rotting fake teeth that stopped many children in their tracks.
“You need a dentist!” shouted 4-year-old pink-clad Izabella Headings to the pirate as her mother laughed.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Headings said about trick or treating as she unearthed a piece of bubblegum from her candy bag.
“It’s fun,” was the consensus of many young trick or treaters, including 7-year-old Bailey Roggen, dressed as a witch. She’s already thinking about costumes for next year. After seeing many families with dogs, she decided her mom will bring their cow next year and be dressed as a farmer.
“I want to ride a robot horse,” added 4-year-old brother Thomas, a ninja.
Jordan George worked a lot of creativity into his costume with his nearly life-sized giraffe.
“I thought it was really cool. I thought it was creative,” George said. The 11-year-old spent two weeks building the costume himself and received a lot of attention for it as he walked down Pioneer.
Julie and Aaron Doran have made it a tradition to trick or treat on Pioneer Way. This is the second year they’ve brought their 3-year-old son, Conner.
“It’s safe and friendly so we love it,” Julie said.
