Sandoval greets trick-or-treaters

With a crescent moon hanging brightly over the Mountain Street mansion on Monday night, revelers waited up to 40 minutes in line to introduce Gov. Brian Sandoval to Halloween - Carson City style.

"It was worth the wait, I think," said Hilarie Thompson, of Carson City. Accompanied by son Trenton, 9, and daughter Shelby, 3, it was the clan's first foray into the city's spooky west side since moving from Dayton. This year, the Sandovals' first in the mansion, not only did the governor keep with tradition by decking out the mansion with spider webs and goblins, the surrounding homes also participated in the night.

For Austin Stroup, 11, his brother Tyler Stroup, 8, and friend Jonathan Griffin, 5, all of Sparks, the allure of meeting Sandoval brought them to town. Austin thought the fire dancers who kept the waiting crowd entertained were pretty cool.

Steve Brenneman, owner of the Bliss Mansion across from the mansion, said he spends some $500 on candy for the scores of ninjas, princesses, jesters and zombies that converge on the area.

He takes advantage of the festive holiday to invite friends over and partake in adult treats.

"This is a big deal," said Brenneman who participates in the Ghost Walks as well. "It comes with the territory."

Brenneman said he think about 2,000 trick-or-treaters come through from 5-10 p.m.

Across Robinson Street from the Bliss Mansion, Jack McLaughlin and his wife Cheryl have thrown their energies into making their house a destination for westside candy hunters. Their wrap-around porch sports every type of pirate known to man, including Jack, who is always read with an "argh."

Cheryl starts buying the candy online a month in advance and the whole family participates in handing out the bounty.

Jack said throughout the night they will hand out some 5,000 pieces of candy.

"We've done this every year since we've been here," he said. "The former owners did it and we are just keeping with tradition.

"We enjoy it, absolutely."