Morgan Hill – Thousands of children and adults converged on Monterey Road Tuesday night for candy and treats at downtown stores and restaurants, as the Morgan Hill Downtown Association hosted the 10th annual Safe Trick-or-Treat event.
In addition to hordes of free candy, the event featured children’s attractions such as a giant inflatable slide, an obstacle course and a miniature baseball park. Long lines and smiling faces were unavoidable.
“I really like how they have the attractions for the kids. It adds another level of enjoyment for them,” said Morgan Hill resident Raj Sing, adding his kids would be exhausted and “all-candied-out” by the end of the night.
The street party lasted from 5 to 7pm, though many lingered longer. According to Morgan Hill Downtown Association Director Theresa Kiernan, people were having such a good time that it was difficult to meet the deadline of reopening Monterey Road by 8pm. For the second year in a row, the main drag was closed to auto traffic, allowing zombies to roam freely between First and Fourth streets.
“We have to work on the 5 to 7 pm,” hours of operation, Kiernan said, adding a “no pets” policy also might be in order based on her observation of dogs on leashes attacking each other at close range in the crowded street.
More than 20 local businesses set up tables along the center divide on Monterey Road, handing out candy and brochures in a bid for new friends and customers.
“It’s a good turnout,” said Veronica Echeverria, an account executive at Universal Mortgage in Gilroy, who was one of many professionals tabling the street. “You get to see the community and network, and it’s great for the kids to do this, so they don’t have to go out (trick or treating) in strange places.”
Major funding for the event came from the city of Morgan Hill, which gave $5,000 to help pay for trick-or-treating bags, police officers, public works staff members and other costs. Additionally, the Morgan Hill Bible Church provided the children’s attractions.
Tony Burchyns covers Morgan Hill for The Times. Reach him at (408) 779-4106 ext. 201 or tb*******@mo************.com.