by Kayla Sheldon on 2014-11-05
All the ghosts, wolves, goblins, princesses, firefighters, and even the famous Maleficent came out to Richard Rollins Park on Halloween, Friday, Oct. 31 for the 21st annual Grand Terrace Halloween Festival.
The festival, hosted for the third year by the Foundation of Grand Terrace, saw more than 1,000 residents dressed in their best costumes to participate in games and costume contests, listen to music, enjoy good food from the Grand Terrace Woman’s Club and a trunk-or-treat event hosted by the Grand Terrace Lions Club.
Around the park fields, children and adults tried their luck in various carnival games, including basketball shooting, balloon popping and ring throwing.
At 6:30 p.m., the Grand Terrace Dog Park Committee held a dog costume contest for the furry Grand Terrace residents who came dressed in costume, awarding gift cards for various local eateries and dog groomers to the contest winners.
The costume contest, for humans that is, was divided into age groups: 0 to 4, 5 to 10, and 11 and older. They were awarded with a trophy or a ribbon, depending on what place they took.
The Grand Terrace Woman’s Club sold hot dogs, chips, and a drink for only $1. While the Lion’s Club “Trunk and Treat” tradition was as popular as it was the year before, with trunks decorated with spooky features and filled with candy, of course.
Firefighters from Grand Terrace Fire Station 23 also stopped by to enjoy the event. Some of the firefighters even had kids dressed in costumes taking pictures with them next to the fire trucks.
President of Grand Terrace Chamber of Commerce Sally McGuire said, “Thanks to Station 23 for coming out to support the Grand Terrace Halloween Festival. Everyone loves a firefighter!”
The famous Maleficent also made an appearance on Friday’s event. Kids of all ages had the opportunity to take a picture with her. Children participated in games and received free candy starting at about 5:30 p.m. through the evening until about 8 p.m.
This year’s event sponsors who helped make the event possible included: The Foundation of Grand Terrace, Cal Skate GT, Grand Terrace City News, Grand Terrace Area Chamber of Commerce, The REC Center, the Grand Terrace Lions Club and the Grand Terrace Woman’s Club.