Trick-or-Treat on the Ave draws families, pets and plenty of creativity

WENATCHEE — Downtown Wenatchee turned into a costume-filled corridor Friday afternoon as the Wenatchee Downtown Association’s annual Trick-or-Treat on the Ave brought families, pets, and candy seekers to the closed stretch of Wenatchee Avenue between 2nd Street and Orondo Avenue.

The two-hour event, held 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 31, transformed the heart of the city into a walkable Halloween street fair with treats from more than 60 participating businesses, decorated storefronts, and community showcases. Police, fire, and ambulance units parked at key intersections provided both safety and spectacle, their lights flashing against the gray autumn sky.

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison arrived dressed as Batman, joined by Behavioral Health Specialist Erika Hamilton and K9 Therapy Dog Roux — who drew smiles in a fluffy chicken costume. Lemolo Deli owner Zeb Postelwait played the role of a yeti while handing out candy, and Watercore Cider owner Sarah Lindell greeted children as a friendly witch. One table offered hot cocoa instead of candy, a welcome surprise on a chilly afternoon.

Families showed up in coordinated costumes, from superheroes to storybook characters, and plenty of pets joined in the fun. Handmade outfits and themed group ensembles made the closed avenue a moving parade of imagination.

Free Halloween portraits by Heirloom Creatives drew steady lines, while the Trunk-or-Treat zone with Wenatchee Cars & Coffee and the ever-popular excavator exhibit gave kids a chance to climb, pose, and explore. Link Transit, Waste Management, and the local police department rounded out the community displays.

Goodfellow Bros. served as the presenting sponsor, with support from Wenatchee Valley Medical Group, SCJ Alliance, and Costco Wholesale.

Despite the brisk temperature, the mood stayed bright throughout. Parents traded smiles, costumed kids filled their bags, and as the evening approached and shop fronts packed up their empty candy bowls, many families lingered downtown for dinner or warm drinks before heading home.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media