A sweet Trunk or Treat

The Wasco Recreation and Parks District hosted its Trunk or Treat event at Barker Park on Tuesday. It was a fun-filled time for 2000 children, with lots of candy and music made possible by the sponsorship of many organizations.

The heart of the event, held on Halloween night, was the creatively decorated vehicle trunks, each brimming with candy for eager trick-or-treaters. Children wearing costumes walked from car to car, filling their bags with goodies.

There was also a costume contest for the best dressed. DJ Serna played a mix of Halloween classics and chart-toppers, encouraging attendees to dance and sing along, keeping the crowd entertained.

Claribel Gutierrez, Assemblywoman Jasmeet Bains' field representative, gave away coloring books and crayons.

She said, "We are here because it's essential for kids to have a safe place to trick or treat, and it's important to support the community with events like this."

Wasco Rose Queen Esmeralda Rodriguez attended. "It's beautiful, and it makes me happy to see everyone together. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and I was excited to be a part of it. I loved all the smiles on the trick-or-treater's faces."

Of the event, Maria Cazares said, "The WRPD has done an excellent job. It's very well organized. We would rather bring the kids here rather than going door to door."

Newly appointed Wasco Police Department Lt. Alecio Mora thought it was great for community building. "We are here today to get to know our community and let them know us. It was a good opportunity to do that."

Wasco Independence High School also showed their support. Esabella Guivas said, "I think it's awesome to see all of these cool costumes. It's nice for Wasco to come together."

"The music was giving a high energy vibe tonight, setting the mood and having us dancing."

Trick-or-treater Jonathan Torres shared, "I like it a lot because I got yummy candy, and I got to spend time with my friends. It was better than going house to house."

Mayor Pro Tem Alex Garcia was there to represent the City of Wasco. "It's fantastic to see how it has grown over the years. I love to see the creativity from our local residents, and it provides a safe environment to celebrate this holiday."

Glen Wegman from the Wasco Elks Lodge #2419 said, "We've been doing this event for the past three years. It's as much fun for us as it is for the kids. It was a good turnout this year."

Many local organizations contributed, including the City of Wasco, the Wasco Police Department, LifeHouse Church, Peters Funeral Home, Grocery Outlets, the Wasco Fire Department, Supervisor David Couch, Kern Family Health Care, Self Creations, Rising Sons Bike Club and other businesses, nonprofits and community members.

WRPD Manager Chris Serna said, "We had over 25 partners and together we worked very hard to make this event a success. Next year will be bigger and better."