Trunk or Treating Debuts in Portland

Trick or Treating wasn't canceled Monday in Portland, but First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield made it clear she did not like the idea and warned parents about the dangers present following the weekend snow. There were, after all, many wires and branches on sidewalks and streets.

Surely some still put on their costume and went door-to-door, but Bransfield wanted to provide another option. A safe and fun alternative, as she put it.

Acting on the suggestion of a parent, Bransfield pursued the idea of Trunk or Treating. Trying to make the best of an unfortunate and unexpected situation, the initial plan was that parents could bring their children to the high school, park the car, open the trunk, and pass out candy while the kids went car-to-car collecting their goodies.

After discussing the idea with fire and police officials, the location was switched to town hall because the high school was being used as a shelter. With so little time to put the idea into action and get the word out, there was no way to tell how many would show up.

The answer? Plenty. Everything considered, the evening was a hit. The kids seemed to have a blast and parents socialized, sort of making it Halloween's equivalent to tailgating at a football game.

Bransfield, who attended, was so pleased she said she might consider making this an annual event.