Virginia Beach trunk-or-treat fills candy bags, hearts ... and lungs
Winds blew the flaps of bounce houses. Children ran and laughed. The smell of popcorn and cotton candy filled the air.
And hundreds got a head start on Halloween during Sunday’s trunk-or-treat event.
More than 20 cars and booths were set up at Brother’s Pizza in the Kempsville neighborhood with decorations for the costumed kids — and parents. Some spots had smoke machines setting a scary mood and others had hovering bubbles waiting to be popped. All had candy.
Though a long line of families wrapped around the parking lot, kids left with their bags full.
DJ Julian Rivera was one of the organizers of the event, sponsored by Encompass Real Estate Solutions, Special Olympics Virginia and other local companies. Rivera, who began planning about a month ago, is on a committee with Encompass that works with the Special Olympics and wanted to bring them in.
“We started talking, how can we take it to the next level, how can we increase this because we want visibility for everybody,” Rivera said.
Rivera said about 600 people registered but he expected up to 1,000 might attend. Families also were treated to a balloon animal station, a concession stand and other food options — outside of candy, of course.
The Garcias were among those families. Danielle, who was dressed up as Jessie from “Toy Story,” and Michael, who went as Buzz Lightyear, found the event online and wanted to bring their son, Remy, to go trick-or-treating. Remy was dressed up as Woody, because “Toy Story” was his favorite movie. They tried all things fun at the event, including the bounce houses.
“He really enjoyed bouncing in those, and it was really fun to watch him,” Danielle said.
Special Olympics Virginia promotes inclusion, not just in sports, but also in education, employment and more. The nonprofit runs year-round sports training and around 2,000 competitions per year at no cost to the athletes. The group also provides health care opportunities for the athletes.
Logan Lilliston, a volunteer for the Special Olympics, was selling T-shirts, accepting additional donations and giving out information about the organization, including the polar plunge in February. The group was happy to see support for the event and all the fun the families had, Lilliston said.
“I am excited to see so many kids out here,” Lilliston said.
For parents, Sunday’s event included a raffle in which they could win prizes donated by local businesses. If they bought into the a 50/50 raffle, they could split prize money with the Special Olympics. All additional proceeds went to the Special Olympics, according to Kristina Price, who sold the raffle tickets and is a team leader at Home Journey Real Estate group, one of the event’s partners.
Sibs Harrell, co-owner of Sundae Scoop, a veteran-owned ice cream shop, was one of the food vendors. Usually based on Kempsville Road, they brought a mobile ice cream stand with different flavors.
Stilts performer Anastasia Charalambous walked the parking lot with her longer-than-life legs, posing for pictures with the kids and dazzling them with her balance.
“Whenever you are performing or doing anything for kids, they look at you like you like such a magical being, and you get to relive that magic through them,” Charalambous said.
Her metallic prostheses were covered by bright red pants, her upper “half” in a classic circus-ring master’s outfit — top hat and all. With a wave or a tip of the hat, she brought smiles to the kids waiting for candy.
Everett Eaton 262-902-7896, everett.eaton@virginiamedia.com
