Crush Of Trunk-or-Treaters Shuts Down Halloween Drive-Thru

WATSONVILLE CA — The Watsonville Police Department apologized after calling an early end to Friday's Halloween drive-thru, citing overwhelming attendance for causing safety concerns.

The free "trunk-or-treat" was scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., or until candy ran out, at Ramsay Park. Shortly before 5:45 p.m., the department announced via Facebook and Nixle that the event was over.

"Unfortunately, due to the large overwhelming crowds, the 'Drive-Thru Trunk-or-Treat' event is being shut down now," the agency said Friday at 5:43 p.m. via Facebook. "The difficult decision was made in order to maintain everyone’s safety on the road."

"We understand why many folks are frustrated about this evening’s event," police continued, apologizing to residents who did not get to participate. "Unfortunately, attendance was so great that it led to traffic delays, congestion and, due to safety concerns, we had to end the event early."

And if in-person attendance proved overwhelming, so were social-media comments logged from the community. Hundreds responded with a mix of annoyance, gratitude and understanding.

"I mean what did you guys expect??" one commenter wrote. "When trick-or-treating isn't allowed, Santa Cruz Halloween function was canceled , it was common sense so many (people) were going to show up, plus the post was seen by thousands."

"This was not cool,"said another. "I got there about 5:15, and traffic was terrible and got nothing."

"Thank you so much for even thinking of doing something special for our community," another reader wrote. "Not everyone or everything can be perfect or turn out like expected. THE THOUGHT IS THE ONE THAT COUNTS!!"

"I sat in my car with my nephew for an hour without being able to get in," a local said. "Although frustrating, I understand that the outcome was as a result of concerns for everyone’s safety. Thank you WPD for always doing the right thing and keeping everyone’s safety as your top priority."

"Next year, WPD should use the fairgrounds," another reader suggested. "The community members could pack up the whole family and drive through!"

The trunk-or-treat was a police department-sponsored effort, with officers and staff spending days leading up to the event assembling 1,000 goodie bags, stuffed with candy and donations from employees, Ace Hardware on Main Street and Watsonville Community Hospital.

The police said in the future it will endeveaor to see how improvements can be made to such events.

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