Despite several people saying that they had fewer trick-or-treaters visit their house on Halloween night, the Montrose Shopping Park and nearby Sparr Heights neighborhoods didn’t see a decline in treat seekers.

“The Montrose Shopping Park once again experienced a massive crowd of costumed trick-or-treaters of all ages – about 12,000 over the course of the evening,” said Dale Dawson, MSPA business administrator/events coordinator. “There were many cleverly costumed canines as well. The Montrose Shopping Park Association provides this event as a family-friendly venue for the community offering Halloween trick-or-treating in a secure and safe environment. In addition to our own MSPA staff on hand, we hosted two GPD motorcycle officers who were present during the entire event – posing with the kids for photos and ensuring a smooth closure at the end of the night. MSPA provided a ‘starter kit’ of about 700 pieces of candy to its participating merchants. Merchants also purchased a great deal more candy to carry them through the event that brings thousands to their storefront.”

He added that live music and some “street food” vendors at the intersection of Honolulu Avenue and Ocean View Boulevard were a welcome enhancement for the crowd as well.  

“It’s our ‘gift to the community,’” he added.

The next MSPA event is the Montrose Wine Walk on Saturday night, Nov. 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Photos by Robin GOLDSWORTHY and Charly SHELTON