By Mike Kinney
Hundreds of children and their families in spooky, and at times downright awesome costumes, flocked to 23rd Street in Richmond on Thursday for the 4th Annual Trick or Treat event — and possibly the best attended yet.
Andy’s Donunts reported giving out 800 bags of donuts to children. NIAD had hosted arts and crafts tables for small toddlers and children, plus a candy booth.
Chevron, the Richmond Police Department and the Richmond Fire Department put on a mini-Halloween festival at Veterans Memorial Hall, with giveaways of candies and trick or treat bags to hold them.
A DJ at Discolandia on 23rd and Garvin entertained hundreds of people while famous cartoon characters such Ernie from the Muppets, Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Captain Hook and the Chetto Cheetah passed out great quantities of candy.
At the Coin Laundromat at Downer and 23rd Street, the Richmond High School Marching Band put on a great show in the parking lot.
Then at the corner of Visilia and 23rd, Leftside Printing owner Diego Garcia and volunteers built an amazing, spooky haunted house.
Trick or Treat on 23rd Street, presented by Richmond Sol, is one of many efforts by local community members to spur economic activity and promote family-friendly safety along the corridor, which struggles from crime, including prostitution. The aim is to increase positive foot traffic on 23rd Street.
The event also brings the first large community-wide Halloween festival to West Contra Costa County. In the past, many parents traveled to Alameda County for such events.
