Haunts turn out for Halloween

A nice warm night and the prospect of no school on Monday had costumed children flocking to the annual Trick-or-Treat Safety Street in Minden on Sunday.

Douglas Sheriff's Youth Services Officer Theresa Duffy said about 1,400 children participated in the annual event.

"There were lots of families all dressed up this year," Duffy said. "The biggest rush was 3-5:30 p.m. The line wrapped around the block."

Duffy said Safety Street gave away eight bicycles and almost all of the books to participating children.

She offered thanks to Walmart for providing the prizes.

"Walmart was awesome," she said. "They provided a lot of the the giveaway stuff we had."

In its 17th year, safety street provides a safe place for children to gather candy.

Sheriff Ron Pierini expressed his gratitude to the participants.

Pierini said there was a good crowd for most of the early hours of the event, which started at 3 p.m.

Costume awards went to Amber Long, who was dressed as shower girl; Erin Coffey as UNR's oldest graduate; the Robinsons won best family costume for their portrayal as anglers with the baby dressed as a lobster.

Safety street featured 26 booths sponsored by Valley organizations and businesses.

Winning first place for decorations was the General Electric booth, followed by Warren Reed Insurance, Pet Sitters Plus and Sugarplum Bakery.

Any prizes remaining from Sunday's event will be donated to Project Santa Claus, or to the Boys & Girls Club of Carson Valley.

Trick-or-treaters made their way through Chichester Estates and the Gardnerville Ranchos, but were rarer in Minden and old Gardnerville.

In Genoa, the town put on its annual Halloween party that included a hay ride for children and games at the town hall.

Organizers said the Genoans consumed a score of pizzas during the event that at one point packed the town hall.