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Date: 10/26/2022
HUNTINGTON — Residents flocked to the Huntington Public Library grounds on Oct. 22 for the annual trunk-or-treat and Fire Department bonfire that combined this year for a successful town-wide event, with Gateway Regional High School graduate musicians The 413s and Kittie and the Beard performing throughout the event that lasted from 5 to 10 p.m.
Vicki Mayhew of the Huntington Recreation Committee said organizers planned for 200 children to attend, and exceeded that number. Winners of the favorite trunk of the night were Cindy and Paul Hewes with the Hippie Skeletons, with Kamlyn Whitaker, Karon Hathaway and Sharon Heath as the Sanderson sisters from “Hocus Pocus 2” coming in a close second.
Also hosting trunks and booths were Mayhew and the Recreation Department with sports-themed trunks, Library Director Amanda Loiselle, media outreach worker Megan Kane and library volunteer Matthew Loiselle handing out children’s books, and community health workers Craig Perras and David Valdivieze from the Huntington Health Center giving out information, masks and chip clips.
David Norton of the Huntington Historical Society said he quickly ran through eight boxes of Sour Patch Kids candy. Residents Gail Labonte and Addison Cook, who displayed skeletons and cobwebs, and Eileen Watson and Bob Goewey, dressed as an Egyptian pharaoh and mummy, were among other residents who went all out for the event.
The children did their part dressing up for their treats. Sadie Groton, 15 months, was a cute chameleon, while Jayden Kunz, 11, a frightening Pennywise the clown from Stephen King’s “It.” Snow White Sadie Wieland, 7, elf fairy Bhreana Wieland, 16, and 13-year-old friends Emma Weiland and Skyer Mollison were fans.
“I think it’s awesome. I love the music,” said Mollison.
After careful preparation hosing the surrounding trees and grass, the bonfire was lit around 7 p.m., providing the second act for the evening. The Huntington fire crew included former member Joseph Graydon, who was recently discharged after eight years as an aircraft firefighter with the Marines. His father, Capt. Steve Graydon, said the department kept his position open during his deployment.