Halloween event brings family fun to storm damaged city
Published 1:08 pm Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Kristina Gonzales helps her son Cory Gonzales collect candy from Port Arthur Mayor Derrick Freeman at the pavilion downtown during a Halloween Trunk or Treat/National Night Out event on Monday Mary Meaux/The News
Jimmy Nixdorf, also known as “Lon,” shows his werewolf side during a Halloween Trunk or Treat/National Night Out event at the pavilion in downtown Port Arthur on Monday. Mary Meaux/The News
A group of trick riders wow the crowd at the pavilion downtown during a Halloween Trunk or Treat/National Night Out event on Monday. Mary Meaux/The News
Yoselyn Alvarez, Ananna Magana, Melany Lopez and Daniel Alvarez are ready for some Trunk or Treat fun at the pavilion in downtown Port Arthur on Monday. Mary Meaux/The News
Kimberly Baker helps Kristina Paige with her candy bag at the pavilion downtown during a Halloween Trunk or Treat/National Night Out event on Monday. Mary Meaux/The News
Children and parents maneuver through a spooky booth for some Halloween treats. Mary Meaux/The News
Children and parents maneuver through a spooky booth for some Halloween treats. Mary Meaux/The News
Jasmine Redeaux, left, and Courtney Moore of Ladies With Class Inc. and Kaybree Carter, who is being mentored by the organization, stop for a photo at the pavilion downtown during a Halloween Trunk or Treat/National Night Out event on Monday. Mary Meaux/The News
Officer Sadie Guedry and Port Arthur Police Chief Patrick Melvin stop for a quick photo. Mary Meaux/The News
Opie’s Towing brought along a decorated hearse complete with a spinning disco ball in the back. Mary Meaux/The News
A skeleton holds his head inside a tow truck brought by Opie’s Towing. Mary Meaux/The News
The ‘superheroes’ from Opie’s Towing; Allen Valko/Ironman, Mikalah Gibson/Batwoman, Emily Broussard/Supergirl, Francis Valka/witch, Korey Valka/Captain America, and Ian Gibson/Hulk brought their super powers to the annual event for the sixth year in a row. Mary Meaux/The News
Members of neighborhood watch groups hand out candy during the event. Mary Meaux/The News
Genesis Erroa and Cecilia Sanchez stop for a photo while in the candy line. Mary Meaux/The News
Port Arthur Fire Capt. Klint Pruitt hands out free links and drinks courtesy of the Port Arthur Professional Firefighters Association. Mary Meaux/The News
A trick rider wows the crowd at the pavilion downtown during a Halloween Trunk or Treat/National Night Out event on Monday. Mary Meaux/The News
A trick rider wows the crowd at the pavilion downtown during a Halloween Trunk or Treat/National Night Out event on Monday. Mary Meaux/The News
Witches and Ninja Turtles joined superheroes and princesses for a fun filled evening Halloween Trunk or Treat and National Night Out at the city’s downtown pavilion Monday night.
The night of candy and goody collecting brought smiles to children and parents as well as organizers and those participating.
“We’ve done this for six years now. This was a last minute thing this year because of (Tropical Storm) Harvey,” Francis Valka of Opie’s Towing, said. “Harvey was our main reason for pulling together. People are getting back on their feet and we are here to support the community.”
Valka, dressed as a witch, was joined by the superheroes from Opie’s — Allen Valko/Ironman, Mikalah Gibson/Batwoman, Emily Broussard/Supergirl, Korey Valka/Captain America, and Ian Gibson/Hulk. The garnered a central spot where they had decorated hearse atop a tow truck.
Ladies With Class Inc., a group dedicated to the healthy development of young ladies by building their self-esteem and self-worth, passed out cupcakes and other goodies. Group president Alicia Valentine took a step back and grabbed pics and video as members Jasmine Redeaux and Courtney Moore posed for a photo with one of the girl’s they mentor, Kaybree Carter.
“We are here to serve our community and give back,” Valentine said, adding that this event was a good way to help the community and get their minds off Harvey.”
Tropical Storm Harvey struck the area in late August with catastrophic flooding and an estimated 80 percent of Port Arthur homes were affected.
Members of Port Arthur Police Department, Port Arthur Fire Department and Port Arthur Neighborhood Action Council were also on hand as part of National Night Out. The annual event was rescheduled due to Harvey with organizers wanting to give the community something to take their minds off the storm’s devastation and provide a fun filled night.
Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews
