Portola’s youngest trick-or-treaters were out in full force this Halloween season, ready to scare up as much candy as possible. Halloween came early this year for the Portola community, with festivities kicking off Oct. 26 and setting the stage for a spine-tingling season. Young ghosts, goblins and witches took to the streets in a frightful show of costumes and candy-fueled excitement.
The weekend’s ghoulish fun began Oct. 26 at the town square in Portola, with Eastern Plumas Health Care’s “Annual Safe Trunk or Treat” event. Lined with creatively decorated vehicles, their trunks overflowing candy bowls, it was a sweet and safe start to Halloween celebrations that included spooky games. From dinosaurs to classic monsters, kids and parents strolled through the square, filling their bags with treats in a scene straight out of a haunted fairytale.
“This is our fourth year doing trunk or treat, and we’re excited to be a part of it,” said Kimberly Gregorich, of Calpine Elks. The event is growing in popularity, she added. Newcomers also joined the spooky fun, including the Prestigiacomo family, who said, “This was our first year doing safe trick or treat, and we had a lot of fun.”
Halloween night couldn’t be laid to rest, though, as kids fueled up on treats from the Safe Trunk or Treat embarked on another round of candy-fueled excitement. Eastern Plumas Health Care Skilled Nursing Facility invited trick-or-treaters to wander through a festively spooky setup at their facility Oct. 31, offering an opportunity for local kids to interact with residents and add even more sugary treats to their stashes.
First-time trick-or-treater Claire Sims was thrilled. “I’ve never done safe trick or treat, but it’s fun, and I got my bag full of candy. I like candy! The haunted house scared me; it was spooky. I also got the biggest hotdog!” she said. Her excitement echoed the spirit of Halloween for many who joined the event.
Nearby, Sierra Smokeshow in Graeagle hosted a lively Halloween party, complete with special food, drinks, and live music from the Danny Horton Trio. With costumes encouraged, attendees enjoyed a night of fun, food, and tunes under a web of Halloween decorations.
For those who dared to go off the beaten path, the Western Pacific Railroad Museum turned its tracks into a realm of horror with eerie train rides. Chugging along under the mystical night sky, riders were treated to a dose of spine-tingling suspense. The night was a perfect haunt for thrill-seekers of all ages.
With such a strong community spirit, Portola residents showed they know how to keep Halloween traditions alive and well, ensuring that the magic (and mischief) of the season continues for years to come.
