By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews.com
Ghoulies and ghosties and even long-legged beasties may be spotted in the area this week, but their presence is no cause for alarm. They’ll be afoot in Yachats and Waldport for two fairly new Halloween traditions.
In Yachats, the city has teamed with Yachats Youth & Family Activities Program to plan a safe trick-or-treating event Saturday afternoon in the downtown area.
In Waldport, the parking lot of the Community Center will be the site of a “Trunk or Treat” event Friday, courtesy of Waldport Beachcomber Days.
The Yachats event from 3-5 p.m. Saturday is a family affair, with trick-or-treaters of all ages encouraged to don costumes and walk a designated route through town. Participants will start at the Yachats Ladies Club, proceeding to Toad Hall, the Lion’s Thrift Store, City Hall and the Library, among other stops.
Along the way, YYFAP plans to have a jack o’ lantern at each site with a number corresponding to the map.
“This is our second year to host a track-or-treat event in partnership with the Yachats community and the city of Yachats,” said YYFAP executive director Patricia Hettinger. She noted that community participation has “dramatically increased” from last year.
A number of volunteers will be on hand to help guide participants along the route. Civic and business groups are also part of the event, donating to a candy and decoration fund and offering their stores as trick-or-treat stops.
Hettinger noted that changes or additions to the designated stops will be noted on the YYFAP Facebook page. People who would like to volunteer may contact the YYFAP office at 541-547-4599, or Kimmie Jackson at City Hall, at 541-547-3565.
Waldport’s “Trunk or Treat”
More candy-and-costumes fun is planned for Friday night in the Waldport Community Center parking lot. From 6-7:30 p.m. a “Trunk or Treat” costume event will feature cars decorated along spooky themes, with volunteers in costume distributing candy to youngsters.
Over 40 cars are expected to be on display, thanks to volunteers and several local businesses, churches and civic organizations. The event is sponsored by the Waldport Beachcomber Days Committee, a non-profit that funds educational scholarships for Waldport High School students.
“Everyone is welcome” said TiAnne Rios, Beachcomber Days secretary. “This is a safe alternative to trick-or-treating house-to-house, and we’re expecting a big turn-out for this family-friendly event.”
Masks are required; social distancing guidelines will be followed. There was a Tuesday deadline to register cars.
Potential volunteers or those seeking more details may contact Rios at 541-270-5752.
