There was no need to remind Cordova’s kids to put on their masks Saturday, Oct. 31, as a procession of dinosaurs, Jedi, wizards, superheroes and spooky clowns took to the streets. Escorted by a police vehicle, over 150 trick-or-treaters paraded along First Street, stopping to accept treats from businesses and other groups. The event was organized by the Cordova Parent Teacher Association.
For some kids, the greatest treat was a rare opportunity to spend time with friends in a carefree and festive setting. Eight-year-old Avigail Taylor, who had spent a week in Anchorage being treated for appendicitis, was delighted to reunite with her friend Una Honkola at the parade, said Emily Taylor, Avigail’s mother.
“This event was the first I recall this year that has had so many people all gathered and having a good time,” Emily Taylor said.
Groups handing out treats quickly found themselves cleaned out by the parade of enthusiastic trick-or-treaters. Cordova Community Baptist Church made up 115 treat bags containing candy and Halloween activities and ideas, such as a recipe for “Halloween slime” — more than enough under normal circumstances, but not this year.
“Hopefully it was a nice treat for the kids to be able to see each other and their friends and classmates and walk around together,” Pastor Mike Glover said. “I think it was a safe alternative… We might be seeing some new Cordova traditions being born this year.”
Other events included an art show hosted by Cordova Public Library, a coloring contest hosted by AC Value Center, a rock garden at Hollis Henrichs Park, and a “Trick or Treat for Boooooks” book giveaway at Cordova Public Library. AC Value Center also hosted a contest in which participants could win a 209-pound pumpkin by accurately guessing its weight. Eight-year-old McKayla Ryan won the pumpkin with a guess of 210 pounds. After 22 hours of carving, the pumpkin was transformed into an owl jack-o-lantern that was put on display on Chase Avenue.
The Cordova PTA is working on a new slate of coronavirus-safe community events for winter, PTA President Denise Hamberger said.
“Life needs to go on and include safe events for kids and their families,” Hamberger said.
