Story & Photos By David Carlos
It was a clear Halloween evening for the annual Trunk-R-Treat in Mountlake Terrace. The event, held from 5pm to 7pm at
232nd St SW and 56th Ave W, brought together families, decorated vehicles, and plenty of candy.
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| Organized by Ellis, owner of Espresso Break |
Organized by Ellis, owner of Espresso Break, the event was sponsored by West Plaza Marketplace, Diamond Knot Brewing Co.,
MyMLTNews, Mountlake Church, and Espresso Break.
This year, 34 vehicles signed up to participate, a number Ellis said is about average. Most were returning participants, although several newcomers joined the fun.
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| Rowan Miller, the Mad Scientist & family |
One of those handing out candy was Rowen Miller, dressed as a mad scientist, complete with a van converted into a laboratory.
Asked why he decided to participate, Miller said, "For fun. We've also come through as attendees a few years now, so we got a nice thing to do."
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| Billy Holmes and his dad with the 1959 Jaguar |
Another participant, Billy Holmes, was dressed as a character from the movie "A Clockwork Orange." He and his father brought along a shiny red 1959 Jaguar for their booth. This was their fourth year participating in Trunk-R-Treat.
For participant Zenith, the best part of the evening was watching the children enjoy themselves.
"The costumes are so much fun, but I think also just the joy. And it's so pure and fun and just like true exhilaration and I just love that."
Asked why she decided to participate, Zenith explained that it was a combination of wanting to celebrate Halloween and supporting a favorite local business.
"We live close by and last year only got a couple trick-or-treaters at home. And Espresso Break is actually our favorite coffee shop. We love Maria and everybody. And then we found out that it was her that put this on and we were like, oh, between the two, we have to participate."
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| Councilmember Sam Doyle |
Mountlake Terrace City Councilmember Sam Doyle was also among those handing out candy.
Asked why, of all the ways she could spend Halloween, she chose to spend it giving candy to children, Doyle said, "It's so much fun. I love it. I did it last year when I was campaigning and I wanted to keep doing it on council."
For Ellis, the event is about more than just candy. It's about seeing families enjoying themselves and creating memories together.
Asked what she enjoys most about seeing families come together, she said:
"That's an easy one. I love seeing the kiddos dressed up with their parents in tow having so much fun in their costumes collecting all that candy. The smiles, and giggles that it brings to them, seriously hearing children laughing is good for your soul. Even the shy kids start to open up by the 5th or 6th car."
Ellis also pointed out how much easier Trunk-R-Treat makes Halloween for parents, especially those with younger children.
"I tell people that have never been there that it's an amazing, safe, and fun time for everyone involved."
She recalled taking her own son trick-or-treating when he was younger.
"When my son was young and I was taking him out, it felt like we walked from house to house forever. Trunk-R-Treat is like going to 30-40 houses all in one spot, it just makes it so much more fun for the kids and really much easier on the parents."
In addition to the decorated vehicles and candy, visitors were treated to free Diamond Knot Root Beer, Espresso Break's Black Scottie Hot Apple Cider, and new this year, cookies from Snohomish Pie Co.
A gift basket filled with items from local businesses was also offered as a prize for the best-decorated vehicle.
After 18 years, Trunk-R-Treat has become something of a Halloween tradition in Mountlake Terrace, with many participants returning year after year.
As Ellis explained:
"This event has taken on a life of its own, I have people coming back year after year to decorate their cars and spread some laughter and fun for the evening. Every year I get asked, "You're planning it again aren't you?"
And after 18 years I always answer, "Of course, why wouldn't I?" Now mind you this question starts getting asked around the middle of June, I usually laugh and tell them yes of course, but let me get thru the School Supply Drive first. I guess I'm not the only one that gets excited about all that candy."
After all these years, Trunk-R-Treat continues to show that a little candy, a few creative costumes, and a lot of community spirit can make Halloween something special.
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