The City of Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department hosted the 12th annual MemorialCare Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital Long Beach Trunk Or Treat event presented by Southland Credit Union at Little Cottonwood Park on Saturday, Oct. 21.
MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach was the Title Sponsor of this spooky event, along with Southland Credit Union as the Presenting Sponsor, Wildan Group, Inc. as the Gold Sponsor, and Grocery Outlet (Wardlow and Long Beach), and Wicorek Family Dentistry as Silver Sponsors.
The City of Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department is so appreciative for the support from these amazing partners, as their dedication to bring joy to the families of Los Alamitos is apparent.
The community was invited from 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. to enjoy trick-or-treating from trunks, a free pumpkin patch, costume contests, an adult pie eating contest, moon bounces, a spooky train ride, food & artisan vendors, carnival games, calming sensory activities, photo areas, and a beverage garden benefiting the Los Alamitos Community Foundation.
A record-setting number of participants visited this year’s Trunk Or Treat event. A total of 6,000 people made their way into Little Cottonwood Park on Saturday evening. This year, 23 trunks and 21 vendors fenced the grassy walkway from the event’s entrance to the main stage. Trunks and vendors consist of local businesses, organizations, and community members. Recreation staff are so thankful for their involvement, as this event’s success would not be possible without them.
As participants made their way down the aisles, they were also met with a wonderful arrangement of pumpkins in the FREE pumpkin patch sponsored by Southland Credit Union. 600 pumpkins were available for picking, one per household until supplies lasted. Centrally situated, people were invited to stop by to take pictures and take a pumpkin home free of charge.
All pumpkins were provided through a gracious partnership with Grocery Outlet (Long Beach and Wardlow). After picking out their favorite pumpkin, families made their way to the carnival-style games where kids could pass the time and win a few extra spooky goodies.
Toward the end of the event sat the main stage, where a schedule of fun activities took place from 5:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. for both kids and adults, including an adult pie eating and costume contest for four age divisions. To the right of the stage, the food vendors offered savory and sweet items. On the left side, the Los Alamitos Foundation featured a Beverage Garden with seating and multiple ultra-high-definition TVs. Various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages were served for those looking to relax before rejoining the festivities. All proceeds benefit the Los Alamitos Community Foundation and their mission.
In addition, participants could take family pictures or allow the kids to jump to their heart’s content at one of the three moon bounces available. If the little ones needed a break from all the excitement, a free train ride provided kids and parents with a relaxing trip around the park, touring all the spooky inflatable decorations and light tunnels. A Sensory Activity Area was also provided near the event entrance for children who struggle with the overwhelming stimulation that large events bring while remaining involved in the holiday activities.
The community gathered to make lasting Halloween memories at Little Cottonwood on this day. Bags full of candy, pumpkins in hand, and quality family time brought so many smiles and so much laughter on this day. The City of Los Alamitos is committed to providing a quality of life for its residents and providing safe and fun opportunities to gather for various occasions. For a list of events, please visit cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation.