Abby Lovelock (left), 7; Larry Daguanno, 9; David Lovelock, 9; and Dalton Dunn, 10, fill their bags with candy at the Allen Park Farmers Market Trunk-or-Treat Oct. 27.
By SCOTT BRENT
For the Sunday Times
ALLEN PARK — Trick-or-treating wasn’t the only way to stock up on sweets this year, as children in costumes eagerly loaded their bags from 20 different car trunks at the Allen Park Farmer’s Market Oct. 27.
Allen Park Historical Museum Commissioner Scott O’Riley hands out sweets from his grim and forbidding carriage Commissioner.
For parents, holiday shopping was unavoidable as pierogis, honey, produce, and a variety of baked goods were showcased by several local vendors.
Jane Bate, owner and operator of GreenHouse Soups & Chili in Allen Park, was well-prepared to satiate customers who were committed to a vegan diet.
“When people think of as classic American foods, they naturally think hot dogs and hamburgers,” she said. “I wanted to pay homage to the best of what Michigan has to offer — the pure and simple vegetables many take for granted.”
Bate’s most popular item is a potato leek soup with spicy mushrooms.
Srodeck’s, a Polish and European delicasstean in Hamtramck, offered warm, comfort food for those looking to combat the coming winter. Vendor Sue Crysler said their pierogi shells “are perfect for any occasion.”
“This is one of my favorite things to eat because of how creative you can be eating them,” Crysler said. I have devoured a lifetime’s supply with sauerkraut, sausage, kraut and sausage combined, potato, cheese, my favorite meats. Even fruit.”
Janice Smith, owner of Jan’s Shea Tree, LLC, adds chips to 8-year-old Nathan Harris’ bag at the Allen Park Farmers Market Trunk-or-Treat Oct. 27.
Gavin Moritz, owner of Gavin Bakes for You, a home-based operation in Allen Park, had the chocolate-lovers covered with his cupcakes and Black Forest cookies.
“I want to make sure my customers are topping off their celebrations right,” Moritz said.
Halloween-themed pastries were also offered for purchase such as vegan apple pies and pumpkin bread.
For the children, each trunk was run by a volunteer member of Allen Park Presbyterian Church and had a decorative theme that ranged from Winnie-the-Pooh to Harry Potter. Keith Brown, known by his trade name as Creepy Clyde, entertained the children as a “singer of spooky songs,” performing such classics as “Boris the Spider,” “This is Halloween,” and “Monster Mash.”
After a little while of singing solo, Brown went mobile with his microphone and invited the children to join in.
“Charizard doesn’t sing,” said Grant Cuthbert, 11, who dressed as the fire Pokemon for the event. “He uses Flamethrower and eats lots of candy.”
“On Halloween, the Joker and Batman are friends,” said Shane Jordan, 11, who arrived as the Cape Crusader’s archenemy with Batman, Tyler Jordan, 8. “I can’t steal the candy; my little brother is always watching me.”
Allen Park Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Jennifer Kibby was delighted that the cold and gloomy weather did not “dampen anyone’s enthusiasm,” and looks forward to another “frightfully good time” next year.